When Dad saw me walking toward the villa, he was out of the car in an instant, stepping in front of me to block my path.
"Jill, are you sure Brad came here to pick up that woman?"
Something strange flickered across his face. It stopped me cold.
"What's wrong, Dad? Do you know this place?"
His mouth opened. Nothing came out.
By then, Mom had caught up to us.
She glanced at the villa, swallowed hard, and when she spoke, her voice was heavy with something close to dread.
"Jill, let's go back."
"Don't look into this anymore."
I stared at her in disbelief.
"Why?"
"Mom, you're the one who said we should come find out the truth. You were the most fired up about it. You said we had to catch them red-handed."
"They're right here, right in front of us. Why are you suddenly telling me to stop?"
She didn't answer. Instead, she grabbed my arm, her voice cracking, almost begging.
"Jill, please. I'm begging you. Let's just go home."
"Let this go. Please?"
Dad walked over too, his face grave.
"Jill, listen to your mother. Let's go home first."
"We're doing this for your own good."
I was completely lost.