Chapter 18-More Lies

Freddie's reaction takes me aback!

Everyone looks at Darryl.

"I carried it with me because of Ryder," he says nervously. "I'm sorry."

Joe places his hands on Freddie's shoulders. "Calm down, Honey. Darryl explained to me what happened."

Freddie faces Joe.

Joe continues, "When the lights went out, and Fallon screamed, he came out to see what had happened. Of course, he wasn't thinking about the tablet! It's when he saw Ryder running down the stairs and Fallon on the floor."

Just then, Bell walks into the kitchen. She walks up to Ryder and begins to whimper. He picks her up and hands her to me.

Having Bell near or just the sound of her collar jingling around the house brings me a little peace.

"All right, Bell. Stay here with Uncle Joe, Margie, and Darryl. Mommy has something important to do," I say as I turn to Joe. "Do you mind?" I ask Joe, handing her to him.