"You don't sign, and I'll destroy your family's reputation in this city. Every last shred of it."
By afternoon, the sky had gone dark.
Wind whipped the clouds into a fury, and rain came down in sheets.
I stuffed a few changes of clothes into my suitcase and zipped it shut.
I was dragging it toward the top of the second-floor staircase when Faith stepped into my path.
She'd changed into a white dress. A glass of red wine dangled from her fingers.
"Flora, it's pouring out there. Where could you possibly be going?"
I didn't answer. I moved around her and headed for the stairs.
Faith's hand shot out and grabbed the handle of my suitcase.
"Tony said you're not going anywhere until you sign that agreement."
I yanked the suitcase back. "Let go."
Faith released her grip and took a step backward, positioning herself right at the edge of the staircase.
She looked at me, and a strange little smile curled at the corner of her mouth.
"Flora, please don't kick us out."
The words had barely left her lips before she threw herself backward, tumbling down five steps.
The wine glass shattered against the floor. Red liquid splashed across the white fabric of her dress.
The front door swung open at that exact moment.