YOUR SISTER TOLD YOU TO HIDE IN THE ATTIC AND NOT TELL YOUR HUSBAND—THEN YOU FOUND THE PASSPORTS UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS

a metal ornament hook from a Christmas box and wedge it under the screw. Your hands shake so badly it slips twice. The door rattles again—harder.

“Elise!”

The screw gives.

The vent opens.

It isn’t a vent.

It’s a narrow crawlspace.

Your breath catches.

Mara knew.

Your sister knew your house better than you did.

You slide inside just as the attic door slams again.continue reading …