Chapter 29: The Plan

Tate stares up at me like I've lost my mind instead of just finding it again. The invigoration pouring through me makes me want to bounce up and down, optimism at an all-time high. You know, I might just keep this part of me after all. I really love how it feels.

"What are you going to do?" She sounds hesitant, but at least she hasn't run away, just watching me with hurt eyes.

"I'm going to show Tom Brown that his methods can be turned against him." Because, acting smarter and not harder is Grace Grant's greatest strength. How could I have forgotten that?

Tate sighs into the cooling air, her breath puffing faintly from her lips as she gives in completely. "I'm so tired of being afraid all the time." She wipes at one more tear. "I'm so sorry I did any of this for him, especially to you, Kit."

I pull her to her feet and hug her. It takes her a few seconds to respond, but she finally hugs me back.

"We need to talk to your mom and dad."

She flinches, pulls away. "No, I can't."