Phoebe's POV
My casual expression vanished instantly. I crossed the distance to Burton in quick, determined strides. "Talk now, or never speak again."
Burton's defiance crumbled completely, and he gave a submissive nod. "All right, all right, I'll tell you everything."
I caught Gloria's eye, and she read my signal perfectly. She jerked Burton's head back, pressing the blade dangerously close to his artery. "Start talking."
"Your mother... Ah!"
The knife sliced across his cheek before he could finish those two words.
Gloria's voice carried a bloodthirsty excitement, dripping with lethal promise. "Watch your mouth when you're talking about Phoebe."
Burton's face was a mask of stunned disbelief, as if he couldn't comprehend being punished for his poor choice of words.
But with his life hanging by a thread, Burton swallowed his protest. He reluctantly corrected himself. "Mrs. Hale. Is that better?"
Gloria kept the knife steady, which meant I approved of his adjustment.
