Chapter 1 - The Five-Thousand-Dollar Seat at the Table
Richard Bennett’s hand closed around Claire’s throat before she had even pushed her chair all the way back.
Her shoulder blades struck the dining-room wall hard enough to rattle the framed family photographs behind her.
“Pay it, useless daughter.”
The Thanksgiving table was still set for twelve. Half-carved turkey. Sweet potatoes going cold. Candles burning beneath the chandelier in Richard and Elaine’s Oak Brook home outside Chicago.
Claire grabbed her father’s wrist with both hands.
“Dad—let go.”
He leaned more of his weight into her.
Three minutes earlier, Claire had said one word.
No.
No, she would not transfer another $5,000 to cover Natalie’s apartment in Fulton Market.
No, she would not postpone replacing the furnace in her own house.
No, she would not take money from the savings account she used for Tyler’s braces and Megan’s summer care because her thirty-four-year-old sister refused to give up a two-bedroom apartment with a rooftop pool.
Someone at the table had laughed when Richard called Claire selfish.
Claire could no longer remember who.
She could remember Natalie.
Natalie had remained seated in her cream dress, wineglass beside one hand, watching with an expression that was far too calm.
“Mom!”
Tyler came running from the other side of the table.
Her eight-year-old son reached for Richard’s arm.
Richard turned and drove his shoe into Tyler’s torso.
Tyler hit the hardwood on his side.
“Tyler!”
Megan screamed and tried to run toward him.
Elaine caught the ten-year-old from behind.
One hand went across Megan’s mouth. When Megan bit at her palm, Elaine slapped her across the cheek and pulled her back by the shoulders.
“Your kids learn too.”
Something changed inside Claire.
Fear disappeared.
She tore Richard’s hand away with both of hers, shoved him hard enough that he stumbled into the buffet, then dropped beside Tyler.
“Don’t touch my children.”
Tyler was crying but conscious.
Claire pulled him against her and reached for Megan at the same time.
Elaine finally released the girl.
Megan ran behind Claire.
Natalie took a slow sip of wine.
“You should’ve obeyed.”
Claire looked around the table.
Uncle Gary stared at his plate.
Aunt Beverly looked sick now, the humor gone from her face.
Cousin Lauren stood near the kitchen doorway with her phone raised, her thumb pressed against the side of it.
Claire didn’t ask what she was doing.
She got both children into their coats.
Richard shouted that she was being dramatic.
Elaine shouted that Claire had ruined Thanksgiving.
Natalie followed them into the foyer.
“You really want to do this?” she asked.
Claire turned.
There was no concern in Natalie’s face. No apology for Tyler. No shock at what their father had done.
Only anxiety.
“Do what?”
Natalie glanced toward Richard before answering.
“Walk away.”
“Watch me.”
Claire opened the front door.
Natalie’s voice followed her into the cold.
“You can’t just walk away from the apartment, Claire.”
Claire stopped.
May you like
Natalie lowered her voice.
“Your name is already on it.”
