Chapter 5

I was out in the yard, trimming the roses, when Dad called.

"Karla, how have you been lately? Is Keegan treating you well?" His voice sounded tired and worn, with a touch of carefulness.

A wave of sadness washed over me.

In my previous life, right around this time, Dad's little hardware shop was drowning in debt.

His business partner took off with all the cash, suppliers were blocking the factory gates every day, demanding their money, and the workers hadn't seen a paycheck in forever.

Desperate, Dad had to put aside his pride and go beg Keegan for help.