Police swarm the warehouse with such numbers, that a passerby could easily liken them to angry hornets who’d just had their nest poked with a stick.   The packet of papers Amber lifted off of Judge Arlington contained falsified court documents. But they were not just any documents. Based upon her examination of these papers, Amber has discovered that, for the past few years, the Jones’ have been buying up small businesses and using them as fronts to sue the Barimen family. Normally, such frivolous cases would never see the light of day. However handwritten notes attached to each document contained instructions … Continue reading Chapter 7.16 – Revenge

An impending sense of danger had seized Amber’s chest as though it were a massive boa constrictor, soon after Billy answered her question regarding marriage.   And during that moment, she could almost feel somebody else speaking through her when she berated him; demanding a proper and elegant proposal in place of his woefully deficient effort. The glare he shot at her seethed with murderous indignation, and he retreated wordlessly from the estate wearing that same expression.   She could not get over her profound sense of fear that night, and slept at the foot of Peter’s bed in the sleeping bag … Continue reading Chapter 7.15 – Judge

Amber’s experience with Billy that afternoon rekindles their romance in much the same manner a bucket of water rekindles a campfire.   Her conscience steers her to visit a place normally reserved for Sunday mornings. She has never been very active in the church, but has always enjoyed the weekly sermon. Maybe guilt motivated her her to come here after the deed, or maybe not. Regardless, she has made this her destination almost every day after school since then. Talking to Billy about her feelings has proved frustrating. He has made pretty clear he’s not interested in her crazy beliefs. In his eyes, she’s … Continue reading Chapter 7.14 – Loyalty

Amber watches in disbelief as workers remove everything of value from the Barimen estate.   If the building itself were able to be sold and moved off the land, they would do it. She had hidden the portrait of Julian under a floorboard in the now-empty wine cellar just in time. It remains hidden with the box of old newspaper clippings and journals for now. Other than the property itself, the painting is the only thing of value she has remaining.   The family is broke. Paul, her younger brother, does not handle the realization well. He shouts at Ben, who seems … Continue reading Chapter 7.13 – Comforting

Billy fails every sparring match with Amber the afternoon he finally decides to visit the estate.   Amber shouts at him out of frustration over his lack of effort. But Billy just stares at her with an unimpressed expression, and states he did not come over for any flower-power training. But if she can show him how to break a sim’s neck, then he’ll be impressed. Amber grimaces at the morbid comment; and frets over the smile he wears on his face as he makes it.   Exasperated, Amber takes him on a walk around the estate. She shows him … Continue reading Chapter 7.12 – Anger

Confusion and fear win out over sadness and grief in the emotional gambit that plays out in Amber’s conscious after Mr. Dworkin’s unexpected death.   The timing of his death, coupled with the unusual circumstances of the accident that killed him, leave her with a dreadful feeling that Brand is somehow responsible. Mr. Dworkin’s chilling warning that night has left her feeling nervous and edgy.   He had mentioned that his role had been played out. Was it a foretelling of his own death? And what did he mean when he said that she was a prize?   Her second mystery novel … Continue reading Chapter 7.11 – Publisher

Amber has discussed the family’s growing legal and financial problems many times with her mother, but she had no idea things were this serious.   Moving boxes and furniture litter the foryer as movers load valuable family herilooms carefully into waiting cargo vans. Grandma Faith, the woman who raised her; and for the first few years of her life seemed more like a mother than grandmother, is moving away. She and Grandpa Jimmy make a special effort to talk to her alone about the move.   Amber is suprised by the sadness that overwhelms her when they break the news. … Continue reading Chapter 7.10 – Masterpiece