Chapter 5

In my heart, I'd always considered Janice my mom, but compared to her son, no matter what, I was always just the outsider.

I didn't want to cry in front of all these people, so I bit back my tears and tugged at Winthrop's sleeve.

"Winthrop, my phone's busted. Can you help me get in touch with my dad? The emerald bracelet my mom passed down to me is gone..." I choked out, barely holding it together.

Winthrop didn't just call my dad. He also called the police.

Leland quickly stepped in to stop him.

"Let's just talk this out,…