"I..." Erica was lost for words.
Debra came upstairs, suspicion flickering. "Are you hiding something from me?"
Erica shrank back, and Randy jumped in. "How is that possible? I was just helping her pick an outfit. Right, Erica?"
Erica forced a nod. "Y-Yeah."
Marion also came up. Randy seized the lifeline. "Marion, take Debra back. I need to help Erica change."
He dragged Erica away like the floor was lava.
Debra's suspicion grew. Marion gently brushed her hair. "I'll find the newspapers. It's been a long day. You need to rest."
"What if they're gone?" she muttered.
It was a major event. She had no memory of it, and her parents had never mentioned it. It didn't make sense.
"Do you think Vickie's kidnapping is connected to what happened to the Potters?" she said, recalling what Erica had once told her.
It was Jordan who had been kidnapped. The incident killed their parents and crippled Andrew.
Drake leaned against the wall. "You were whispering at my door. Disturbed me. By the way, work on your situational awareness. With skills this sloppy, I could've slit your throat just now."
Debra shot back, "Says the guy who got shot and lost his company while mooching here for weeks."
Drake's smirk vanished. "Fine. Ignore my advice. Let Marion feed you lies."
He turned to leave. Debra grabbed his sleeve, softening her tone. "It was a joke. Don't be mad."
He shook her off. "Oh, I'm the bullet-riddled, company-less freeloader. Clearly, I'm the punchline here."
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