“I promise,” Oliana said.
They said their goodbyes, and we walked Bruce to the door. He started to open his mouth, but immediately closed it.
Norman said, “Hey, little darlin’, would you like to go see what your room looks like?”
Her eyes lit up. “Yeah.”
She followed Norman down the hall toward Daniel’s room.
I grabbed my coat off the rack and followed Bruce outside.
“I feel responsible for Olivia’s death,” he said.
“Why?”
“I was selfish and tired of the single dad role. I demanded that she accept her part in the killing. I should’ve realized that she wasn’t ready.”
“Olivia was lost, and she was sick. Her death is not your fault.”
“I just can’t be that girl’s family.”
“I can. She’ll be okay.”
Bruce turned abruptly and walked away.
With his back to me, he waved, got into his vehicle and drove down the street.
At the stop sign, his brake lights lit up the darkness behind him as his headlights flared ahead, piercing shafts of light striving to illuminate these vaults we call our homes.
Shadowed Seats: Oliana Mercer Series Book 1
Upcoming Book
Shadowed Seats
High school senior Oliana Mercer dreams of attending the prestigious Reyersen Drama Academy and pursue her acting career. But when tragedy strikes, Oliana discovers secrets hidden from her by her adopted parents, dimming the lights on her perfect world.
As the sins of the past surface, Oliana finds herself caught up in a tug-of-war between two families while the love for her boyfriend is tested.
Determined to find some form of happiness in life, Oliana becomes student director in the high school's senior play. When her best friend, Devin Worthy, dies during dress rehearsal, Oliana is re-cast as the lead. Everyone thinks the death was a suicide, except Oliana, whose search for clues may be enough motive for the killer to murder again.
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Burned Bridges: Oliana Mercer Series Prequel (Crossing Series) Page 15