The moment we heard the door opening, both men released my hands.
Mr. Hale quickly stepped into his bedroom and shut the door behind him, while Daniel hurried toward the opposite corner of the hallway.
I stood there for a second, trying to steady my breathing. My wrists still hurt from their grips, but I forced myself to look calm.
Whoever had opened that door must not suspect anything.
I turned and walked toward the sound, pretending I had only just come out to check on something.
Then I saw her.
My sister stood in the doorway of her bedroom, wearing a loose nightdress. Her sleepy eyes moved from my face to the hallway behind me.
“Riley? What’s all that noise about? I heard shouting.”
I swallowed. “Nothing. I think I was just overthinking something.”
She frowned. “Overthinking? A
