“No!” Shaking her head, Shannon backed away like her brother’s words had scalded her. “No, no, no, you’re telling lies.” “He killed my mother,” Darren choked out, clutching my father. “Fucking bastard—” “Stop saying that!” Shannon screamed, pulling on her hair. “She’s not dead, Darren. She’s at home. I saw her!” Clutching her head in her hands, she glared at her brother and hissed, “She’s fine.” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked up at me. “Tell him, Johnny!” she begged, lunging for me. “Tell him he’s wrong!” Grabbing my hand, she tugged pleadingly. “J-just t-tell h-him—”
