When Lewis appeared, I was still gripping Linette's hair in one hand, a sharp shard of porcelain pressed against her cheek.
I had pushed hard enough to break skin. A thin line of blood slid down her face.
My own hand wasn't any better. The porcelain had cut deep into my palm. Blood dripped down the shard and onto the floor.
The Wilchers had dragged and shoved me around. My hair was a mess. My clothes were wrinkled. I must have looked wild.
But I stood straight.
I refused to bow.
Then I saw Lewis.
All the anger holding me up suddenly cracked. Something heavy rose in my chest.
"Lewis…" I whispered.
He rolled his wheelchair forward calmly, like a king entering his territory. Theo moved faster, reaching me in just a few steps.
"Madam," Theo said quietly, "let go. Leave the rest to me."
I released Linette.
Blood covered my hand.
The moment I let her go, Linette touched her cheek and shrieked. "My face! There's blood!"
Her scream pierced my ears.
I slapped her.
"Shut up."
