Page 42 of Sins of the Heart

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Dana’s eyes widened as Roxy set the volume on low

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and hit Play. Roxy lifted off one earphone. Behind her,

she could hear the harsh rasp of Marin’s breathing and

the creak of the bed as he stirred. She figured he was

probably almost out of patience.

“Your mom said you love ‘The Locomotion.’” The

kid hesitated then nodded solemnly. Roxy thumbed

through her choices until she found the song she

wanted. When she hit Play, Dana exhaled. Her shoulders came down. “I want you to, uh, sing to Flopsy,”

Roxy said, “so she won’t be scared. Sing along with

the music, Dana, nice and loud. I just need to—” she

glanced over her shoulder at Marin. From this angle,

all she could see were his feet “—I need to tie up a

couple of loose ends, and then we’re going to find your

mom. Okay?”

The kid watched Roxy, still wary, her faded-denim

eyes way too big, her expression solemn. She nodded

but didn’t say another word.

Shit.

For a second, Roxy hesitated, but she saw no other

way. Leaving the kid in the closet was better than

having her witness what was to come. And locking her

alone in the car in this neighborhood while she came

back inside to do what needed to be done just wasn’t

an option.

“Sing, Dana. If you sing to Flopsy, she won’t be

afraid.”

She settled the earphone back against Dana’s ear,

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