Chapter 2 - The Drag Across Hardwood
Veronica’s long fingers, tipped with manicured red polish, clamped around Mia’s thin wrist.
"Get up!"
Mia’s tiny shoes scraped across the dark oak floorboards as she was yanked to her feet.
Squeak.
Squeak.
The pink backpack dangled half-open from Mia’s opposite arm, its zipper teeth biting into her small elbow.
"No! Please, I didn't take it!" Mia sobbed, her little chest heaving violently against her blue dress.
"Please, I didn't do anything!"
Veronica dragged the child six feet across the sunlit living room toward the massive front door.
Her light grey silk blouse puffed with her fast, harsh breaths.
"You're a thief, just like your mother was," Veronica hissed under her breath, her fingers tightening until Mia’s skin turned pale.
Mia’s small hand reached out, trying to grab the edge of the cream sofa to anchor herself.
Her small fingernails skidded off the leather.
Veronica threw the heavy oak front door open, the bright afternoon sunlight blinding the foyer.
May you like
She shoved the child toward the threshold.
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