“What did you say?” Michael asked.
“I know it sounds crazy,” the boy replied. “But I pay attention. And your daughter isn’t what you think.”
Michael wanted to snap, to dismiss him. Doctors had confirmed everything. The accident was real. But the boy didn’t sound cruel or curious—he sounded certain.
“My name’s Lucas Reed,” he added. “I live behind your building. And there are things happening in your house you don’t know about.”
A chill ran through Michael.
“The woman you’re about to marry—Rachel—she’s dangerous,” Lucas continued. “And your daughter is paying the price.”
Ava shifted again. Michael crouched in front of her.
“Ava… what’s wrong?”
She shook her head automatically, but her fingers trembled.
“Give me five minutes,” Lucas said quietly. “If I’m lying, you can call security.”
Michael hesitated, then nodded.
“Five minutes.”
Lucas started with one question.
“Do you remember the night of the accident? Where was Ava coming from?”
“A friend’s house,” Michael replied, rehearsed.
“Who told you that?”
Silence.
Rachel had handled everything back then—talked to doctors, the school, everyone. Ava had been unconscious. Michael hadn’t questioned it.
“Rachel,” he admitted.