Melissa stared out the car window, unsure how to respond. She of all people knew what Garthe was capable of. But she never thought he would kill Uncle Devon. And she was afraid of what he had planned for her.

"Where are we going?"

That should be a safe question, unlike asking where he was taking her. It sounded like they were in this together. Like siblings should be. And it changed the subject.

"We're going home, of course. Don't you recognize where we are?"

"No. Everything looks different from the front seat."

"And does he let you sit up front?"

"Uncle Devon –"

"Not Mr. Miles. That imposter!"

"Do you mean Michael?"

"Of course, I mean Michael." He snarled the name. "Father's final insult to me: a man with my face, my last name, and my little sister."

Garthe was angry. Melissa had to defuse him somehow. Whatever he had planned was still better than would happen if he got carried away.

"I can tell you apart," she said. "I knew it was you when I saw you earlier. Even before you said anything."

"That's because you're my little sister, not his."

Garthe sounded satisfied. Or at least mollified. Melissa relaxed and stared out the window some more, trying to guess where they were going. No lights, so not well-populated. No other cars, so not popular. Garthe called it 'home' . . .

Melissa gasped.

"You've finally figured it out, little sister. We're going back to the house in the hills. I know it's been a while since you were last there."

"Why?" she blurted out before she could stop herself.

"Because of all those cherished family memories. Memories that imposter doesn't have since he isn't family."

"No, Michael isn't a blood relative, either."

As soon as she said it, she realized her mistake. Mistakes, as she had made several. Calling Michael by his name instead of 'he' or 'the imposter'. Saying 'either', which put Michael in the same class as Uncle Devon. And, worst of all, too much emotion in her voice.

"You like him, don't you?" Garthe demanded angrily. "You've let him take my place, haven't you?"

Melissa didn't know what to say. Garthe was getting more and more angry. He didn't anything more as they drove up into the hills. But his entire body language made his feelings crystal clear.