Chapter 4

The loud crack startled Richard and Linda downstairs.

Richard hurried up the stairs, not even bothering to ask what had happened before snapping at me. "Catherine, what kind of nonsense are you up to again?"

He glanced at the phone on the floor and seemed to piece things together.

Melissa clutched her head and whimpered dramatically, "Dad, Catherine was blasting music. I couldn't sleep at all. Maybe I should just take some sleeping pills."

Her tears came fast. She continued, "I've failed you and Mom. Just let Catherine take my place. I'm useless anyway."

Richard just wrapped Melissa in a…