CHAPTER_NN1 TWO_CRD 
Sheriff_NN1 Bree_NP0 Taggert_NP0 stood_VVD in_PRP the_AT0 road_NN1 at_PRP the_AT0 end_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 driveway_NN1 ._SENT Her_DPS stomach_NN1 turned_VVD ,_PUN a_AT0 faint_AJ0 queasiness_NN1 rising_VVG in_PRP the_AT0 back_NN1 of_PRF her_DPS throat_NN1 as_CJS she_PNP stared_VVD at_PRP the_AT0 house_NN1 ._SENT Upstate_AJ0 New_NP0 York_NP0 was_VBD in_PRP the_AT0 middle_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 heat_NN1 wave_NN1 ._SENT At_PRP noon_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 air_NN1 was_VBD oppressive_AJ0 and_CJC humid_AJ0 ._SENT A_AT0 sense_NN1 of_PRF claustrophobia_NN1 closed_VVD over_PRP her_PNP ,_PUN which_DTQ made_VVD no_AT0 sense_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP was_VBD outside_AJ0 ._SENT But_CJC the_AT0 trapped_AJ0 feeling_NN1 was_VBD n't_XX0 due_AJ0 to_PRP physical_AJ0 constraints_NN2 ._SENT It_PNP was_VBD the_AT0 memories_NN2 that_CJT came_VVD with_PRP this_DT0 house_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 only_AJ0 place_NN1 she_PNP feared_VVD being_VBG trapped_VVN in_PRP was_VBD her_DPS past_NN1 ._SENT 
The_AT0 roof_NN1 sagged_VVD ,_PUN and_CJC years_NN2 of_PRF wind_NN1 ,_PUN rain_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC neglect_NN1 had_VHD peeled_VVN the_AT0 paint_NN1 from_PRP the_AT0 wooden_AJ0 clapboards_NN2 ,_PUN turning_VVG the_AT0 exterior_NN1 to_PRP a_AT0 weathered_AJ0 gray_NN1 ._SENT Untrimmed_AJ0 trees_NN2 and_CJC overgrown_AJ0 foliage_NN1 blocked_VVD the_AT0 sun_NN1 and_CJC left_VVD the_AT0 house_NN1 cast_VVN in_PRP deep_AJ0 shadows_NN2 ,_PUN even_AV0 on_PRP a_AT0 sunny_AJ0 afternoon_NN1 in_PRP mid-July_NP0 ._SENT 
Bree_NP0 inhaled_VVD ._SENT The_AT0 scent_NN1 of_PRF decay_NN1 and_CJC dampness_NN1 lingered_VVD in_PRP her_DPS nostrils_NN2 ._SENT Twenty-seven_CRD years_NN2 before_AV0 ,_PUN this_DT0 had_VHD been_VBN her_DPS childhood_NN1 home_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC she_PNP had_VHD no_AT0 warm_AJ0 or_CJC fuzzy_AJ0 memories_NN2 attached_VVN to_PRP it_PNP ._SENT Inside_PRP those_DT0 rotting_AJ0 walls_NN2 ,_PUN her_DPS father_NN1 had_VHD shot_VVN her_DPS mother_NN1 and_CJC then_AV0 killed_VVN himself_PNX while_CJS Bree_NP0 and_CJC her_DPS siblings_NN2 had_VHD hidden_VVN in_PRP terror_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP shuddered_VVD ,_PUN the_AT0 memories_NN2 she_PNP 'd_VHD banished_VVN to_PRP the_AT0 dark_AJ0 corners_NN2 stepping_VVG into_PRP the_AT0 light_NN1 to_TO0 show_VVI themselves_PNX ._SENT 
She_PNP glanced_VVD at_PRP her_DPS younger_AJC brother_NN1 ,_PUN standing_VVG on_PRP the_AT0 other_AJ0 side_NN1 of_PRF her_PNP ._SENT At_PRP twenty-eight_CRD ,_PUN Adam_NP0 was_VBD tall_AJ0 and_CJC lanky_AJ0 ,_PUN with_PRP unruly_AJ0 brown_AJ0 hair_NN1 that_CJT curled_VVD over_AVP his_DPS ears_NN2 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Sorry_AJ0 I_PNP 'm_VBB late_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ She_PNP did_VDD not_XX0 tell_VVI him_PNP why_AVQ ._SENT He_PNP did_VDD n't_XX0 need_VVI to_TO0 hear_VVI about_PRP the_AT0 college_NN1 kid_NN1 who_PNQ 'd_VHD OD_NP0 'd_VHD early_AV0 that_DT0 morning_NN1 ._SENT Bree_NP0 wished_VVD she_PNP could_VM0 forget_VVI his_DPS face_NN1 ,_PUN already_AV0 blue_AJ0 by_PRP the_AT0 time_NN1 her_DPS department_NN1 had_VHD responded_VVN ._SENT But_CJC his_DPS image_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC that_DT0 of_PRF his_DPS sobbing_AJ0 parents_NN2 ,_PUN would_VM0 haunt_VVI Bree_NP0 for_PRP some_DT0 time_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ It_PNP 's_VBZ OK_AJ0 ,_PUN "_PUQ Adam_NP0 said_VVD ._SENT 
Sweat_NN1 dripped_VVD down_AVP Bree_NP0 's_POS back_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ I_PNP 'm_VBB almost_AV0 surprised_AJ0 the_AT0 house_NN1 is_VBZ still_AV0 standing_VVG ._SENT "_PUQ 
It_PNP should_VM0 have_VHI been_VBN razed_VVN to_PRP the_AT0 ground_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Old_AJ0 houses_NN2 are_VBB solid_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ Adam_NP0 did_VDD n't_XX0 take_VVI his_DPS eyes_NN2 off_PRP the_AT0 house_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ They_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 build_VVI them_PNP like_PRP this_DT0 anymore_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
The_AT0 three-bedroom_AJ0 ,_PUN one-story_AJ0 bungalow_NN1 squatted_VVD on_PRP a_AT0 large_AJ0 chunk_NN1 of_PRF mostly_AV0 wooded_AJ0 land_NN1 ._SENT A_AT0 thick_AJ0 canopy_NN1 of_PRF fat_AJ0 branches_NN2 crisscrossed_VVN over_PRP the_AT0 house_NN1 ,_PUN casting_VVG shadows_NN2 between_PRP the_AT0 tree_NN1 trunks_NN2 ,_PUN the_AT0 eerie_AJ0 landscape_NN1 worthy_AJ0 of_PRF the_AT0 nightmare_NN1 that_CJT had_VHD occurred_VVN here_AV0 ._SENT 
Adam_NP0 nudged_VVD her_PNP with_PRP an_AT0 elbow_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ Are_VBB you_PNP sure_AJ0 you_PNP 're_VBB OK_AJ0 with_PRP going_VVG inside_AV0 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Yes_ITJ ._SENT "_PUQ Her_DPS answer_NN1 was_VBD automatic_AJ0 ,_PUN not_XX0 honest_AJ0 ,_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 lie_NN1 burned_VVN like_PRP acid_NN1 in_PRP her_DPS chest_NN1 ._SENT 
She_PNP would_VM0 never_AV0 be_VBI OK_AJ0 with_PRP what_DTQ had_VHD happened_VVN in_PRP that_DT0 house_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC she_PNP had_VHD managed_VVN to_TO0 mostly_AV0 put_VVI it_PNP behind_PRP her_PNP ._SENT 
Now_AV0 ,_PUN every_AT0 instinct_NN1 in_PRP her_DPS body_NN1 told_VVD her_PNP not_XX0 to_TO0 cross_VVI the_AT0 threshold_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 memories_NN2 on_PRP the_AT0 other_AJ0 side_NN1 were_VBD the_AT0 monsters_NN2 under_PRP her_DPS bed_NN1 ._SENT 
Adam_NP0 closed_VVD his_DPS eyes_NN2 for_PRP a_AT0 few_DT0 seconds_NN2 ._SENT His_DPS face_NN1 scrunched_VVN in_PRP concentration_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ This_DT0 place_NN1 feels_VVZ familiar_AJ0 ,_PUN but_CJC I_PNP ca_VM0 n't_XX0 remember_VVI anything_PNI specific_AJ0 ._SENT I_PNP ca_VM0 n't_XX0 even_AV0 picture_VVI her_DPS face_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ I_PNP 'm_VBB sorry_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ The_AT0 atmosphere_NN1 felt_VVD familiar_AJ0 to_PRP Bree_NP0 as_CJS well_AV0 ._SENT Dread_NN1 pooled_VVN in_PRP her_DPS belly_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ You_PNP were_VBD just_AV0 a_AT0 baby_NN1 when_CJS she_PNP died_VVD ._SENT I_PNP would_VM0 n't_XX0 expect_VVI you_PNP to_TO0 remember_VVI her_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
He_PNP turned_VVD to_PRP her_PNP ._SENT The_AT0 yearning_NN1 in_PRP his_DPS hazel_AJ0 eyes_NN2 brought_VVD unshed_AJ0 tears_NN2 to_PRP hers_PNP ._SENT As_CJS hard_AV0 as_CJS Adam_NP0 was_VBD trying_VVG to_TO0 recall_VVI their_DPS childhood_NN1 ,_PUN Bree_NP0 was_VBD working_VVG just_AV0 as_AV0 hard_AJ0 to_TO0 forget_VVI it_PNP ._SENT 
"_PUQ Are_VBB you_PNP ready_AJ0 ?_SENT "_PUQ he_PNP asked_VVD ._SENT 
No._NN1 Bree_NP0 eyed_VVD the_AT0 front_AJ0 porch_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ Is_VBZ it_PNP safe_AJ0 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ The_AT0 structure_NN1 is_VBZ surprisingly_AV0 solid_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ You_PNP 've_VHB been_VBN inside_AV0 ?_SENT "_PUQ she_PNP asked_VVD ._SENT 
He_PNP looked_VVD away_AV0 and_CJC shrugged_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ A_AT0 couple_NN1 of_PRF times_NN2 ._SENT I_PNP fixed_VVD some_DT0 stuff_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
Guilt_NN1 weighted_VVN Bree_NP0 's_POS shoulders_NN2 ._SENT She_PNP should_VM0 have_VHI come_VVN here_AV0 when_CJS he_PNP 'd_VHD first_ORD asked_VVN months_NN2 ago_AV0 ._SENT He_PNP should_VM0 n't_XX0 have_VHI had_VHN to_TO0 face_VVI this_DT0 place_NN1 alone_AV0 ._SENT Though_CJS he_PNP stood_VVD a_AT0 full_AJ0 head_NN1 taller_AJC than_CJS her_PNP ,_PUN he_PNP was_VBD still_AV0 her_DPS little_AJ0 brother_NN1 ._SENT 
It_PNP was_VBD her_DPS job_NN1 to_TO0 protect_VVI him_PNP ._SENT Bree_NP0 had_VHD failed_VVN their_DPS sister_NN1 ,_PUN Erin_NP0 ,_PUN and_CJC she_PNP had_VHD died_VVN ._SENT Bree_NP0 could_VM0 not_XX0 repeat_VVI the_AT0 mistake_NN1 with_PRP Adam_NP0 ._SENT 
Her_DPS mouth_NN1 went_VVD dry_AJ0 ._SENT She_PNP did_VDD n't_XX0 want_VVI to_TO0 replay_VVI anything_PNI about_PRP the_AT0 first_ORD eight_CRD years_NN2 of_PRF her_DPS life_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 years_NN2 she_PNP 'd_VHD lived_VVN in_PRP this_DT0 place_NN1 with_PRP her_DPS family_NN1 —_PUN or_CJC the_AT0 violent_AJ0 night_NN1 that_CJT had_VHD ended_VVN that_DT0 period_NN1 ._SENT Once_CJS she_PNP entered_VVD ,_PUN she_PNP would_VM0 no_AV0 longer_AV0 be_VBI able_AJ0 to_TO0 repress_VVI her_DPS memories_NN2 ._SENT No_AT0 more_DT0 excuses_NN2 ._SENT Since_CJS their_DPS sister_NN1 had_VHD been_VBN murdered_VVN back_AVP in_PRP January_NP0 ,_PUN Bree_NP0 had_VHD left_VVN her_DPS job_NN1 as_PRP a_AT0 homicide_NN1 detective_NN1 in_PRP Philadelphia_NP0 ,_PUN moved_VVN to_PRP Grey_NP0 's_POS Hollow_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC taken_VVN charge_NN1 of_PRF her_DPS eight-year-old_AJ0 niece_NN1 and_CJC sixteen-year-old_AJ0 nephew_NN1 ._SENT Back_AVP in_PRP her_DPS hometown_NN1 ,_PUN she_PNP 'd_VHD done_VDN her_DPS best_AJS to_TO0 distance_VVI herself_PNX from_PRP her_DPS childhood_NN1 tragedy_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP 'd_VHD never_AV0 even_AV0 considered_VVN visiting_VVG this_DT0 house_NN1 until_CJS Adam_NP0 had_VHD asked_VVN ._SENT But_CJC her_DPS brother_NN1 had_VHD stepped_VVN up_AVP to_TO0 help_VVI with_PRP the_AT0 kids_NN2 ._SENT He_PNP 'd_VHD done_VDN everything_PNI she_PNP 'd_VHD asked_VVN of_PRF him_PNP ,_PUN and_CJC he_PNP 'd_VHD made_VVN only_AV0 this_DT0 one_CRD request_NN1 in_PRP return_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Let_VVB 's_VBZ do_VDB this_DT0 ._SENT "_PUQ She_PNP stepped_VVD over_AVP the_AT0 property_NN1 line_NN1 ._SENT Skirting_VVG a_AT0 puddle_NN1 ,_PUN she_PNP strode_VVD toward_PRP the_AT0 house_NN1 ._SENT 
Long-legged_AJ0 ,_PUN Adam_NP0 moved_VVD ahead_AV0 ._SENT Thunderstorms_NN2 had_VHD pummeled_VVN the_AT0 area_NN1 the_AT0 previous_AJ0 week_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC low-lying_AJ0 areas_NN2 had_VHD flooded_VVN ._SENT Her_DPS brother_NN1 's_POS strides_NN2 were_VBD eager_AJ0 ,_PUN while_CJS Bree_NP0 's_POS feet_NN2 dragged_VVD in_PRP the_AT0 sole-sucking_AJ0 mud_NN1 ._SENT Once_AV0 ,_PUN the_AT0 driveway_NN1 had_VHD been_VBN gravel_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC the_AT0 small_AJ0 stones_NN2 had_VHD long_AV0 since_AV0 been_VBN ground_VVN into_PRP the_AT0 earth_NN1 ._SENT 
Adam_NP0 jogged_VVD up_AVP the_AT0 stairs_NN2 to_PRP the_AT0 porch_NN1 ._SENT Bree_NP0 did_VDD n't_XX0 allow_VVI herself_PNX to_TO0 pause_VVI until_CJS she_PNP stood_VVD beside_PRP him_PNP ._SENT 
The_AT0 porch_NN1 boards_NN2 did_VDD n't_XX0 sag_VVI under_PRP their_DPS weight_NN1 ._SENT Some_DT0 of_PRF the_AT0 planks_NN2 had_VHD been_VBN recently_AV0 replaced_VVN ._SENT He_PNP moved_VVD toward_PRP the_AT0 front_AJ0 door_NN1 ._SENT Bree_NP0 noticed_VVD the_AT0 door_NN1 ,_PUN hinges_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC lock_NN1 were_VBD new_AJ0 ._SENT The_AT0 doorframe_NN1 had_VHD been_VBN repaired_VVN ._SENT How_AVQ many_DT0 times_NN2 had_VHD Adam_NP0 been_VBN here_AV0 ?_SENT Discomfort_NN1 curled_VVD into_PRP a_AT0 ball_NN1 in_PRP her_DPS chest_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP 'd_VM0 let_VVI him_PNP face_VVI the_AT0 horror_NN1 of_PRF their_DPS past_NN1 alone_AV0 ._SENT She_PNP 'd_VM0 let_VVI him_PNP down_AVP ._SENT She_PNP would_VM0 n't_XX0 do_VDI that_DT0 again_AV0 ,_PUN no_AT0 matter_NN1 what_DTQ it_PNP cost_VVB her_PNP ._SENT 
Something_PNI creaked_VVD ._SENT The_AT0 hairs_NN2 on_PRP the_AT0 back_NN1 of_PRF Bree_NP0 's_POS neck_NN1 bristled_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ Did_VDD you_PNP hear_VVI that_DT0 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
Adam_NP0 shrugged_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ Probably_AV0 the_AT0 wind_NN1 ._SENT It_PNP 's_VBZ an_AT0 old_AJ0 house_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
His_DPS reasoning_NN1 was_VBD plausible_AJ0 ,_PUN but_CJC Bree_NP0 's_POS instincts_NN2 were_VBD n't_XX0 happy_AJ0 ._SENT 
He_PNP fished_VVD a_AT0 key_NN1 from_PRP his_DPS pocket_NN1 and_CJC unlocked_VVD the_AT0 door_NN1 ._SENT 
Bree_NP0 touched_VVD his_DPS shoulder_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ I_PNP 'll_VM0 go_VVI first_ORD ._SENT "_PUQ She_PNP moved_VVD in_PRP front_NN1 of_PRF her_DPS brother_NN1 ._SENT Her_DPS hand_NN1 went_VVD to_PRP the_AT0 service_NN1 weapon_NN1 on_PRP her_DPS hip_NN1 ._SENT 
She_PNP took_VVD a_AT0 deep_AJ0 breath_NN1 and_CJC went_VVD inside_AV0 ._SENT 
The_AT0 living_AJ0 room_NN1 was_VBD empty_AJ0 ._SENT Behind_PRP her_PNP ,_PUN Adam_NP0 shuffled_VVD a_AT0 sneaker_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 throw_NN1 rug_NN1 had_VHD rotted_VVN away_AV0 to_PRP a_AT0 few_DT0 shreds_NN2 of_PRF fabric_NN1 ._SENT Dirt_NN1 and_CJC leaves_NN2 gathered_VVN along_PRP the_AT0 walls_NN2 ._SENT But_CJC Bree_NP0 no_AV0 longer_AV0 saw_VVD the_AT0 abandoned_AJ0 house_NN1 as_CJS it_PNP stood_VVD today_AV0 ._SENT She_PNP was_VBD transported_VVN back_AVP to_PRP the_AT0 very_AV0 last_ORD night_NN1 she_PNP 'd_VHD been_VBN under_PRP this_DT0 roof_NN1 ._SENT 
Adam_NP0 said_VVD something_PNI ,_PUN but_CJC his_DPS voice_NN1 was_VBD muted_AJ0 by_PRP the_AT0 imagined_AJ0 sound_NN1 of_PRF her_DPS parents_NN2 fighting_VVG and_CJC the_AT0 smack_NN1 of_PRF her_DPS father_NN1 striking_VVG her_DPS mother_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Bree_NP0 ?_SENT "_PUQ Adam_NP0 jostled_VVD her_DPS arm_NN1 ._SENT 
She_PNP shook_VVD herself_PNX ._SENT "_PUQ Sorry_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
His_DPS gaze_NN1 turned_VVD hesitant_AJ0 as_CJS he_PNP engaged_VVD in_PRP some_DT0 internal_AJ0 debate_NN1 ._SENT Bree_NP0 said_VVD a_AT0 quick_AJ0 prayer_NN1 that_CJT he_PNP 'd_VM0 change_VVI his_DPS mind_NN1 and_CJC haul_VVB her_PNP out_AVP of_PRF there_AV0 ,_PUN but_CJC she_PNP suspected_VVD it_PNP did_VDD n't_XX0 matter_VVI ._SENT The_AT0 damage_NN1 was_VBD done_VDN ._SENT She_PNP was_VBD remembering_VVG ._SENT 
Everything_PNI ._SENT 
His_DPS jaw_NN1 went_VVD rigid_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ Which_DTQ room_NN1 was_VBD mine_PNP ?_SENT "_PUQ 
Bree_NP0 turned_VVD to_TO0 walk_VVI down_AVP the_AT0 hallway_NN1 that_CJT led_VVD to_PRP the_AT0 bedrooms_NN2 ._SENT She_PNP passed_VVD the_AT0 room_NN1 she_PNP 'd_VHD shared_VVN with_PRP Erin_NP0 and_CJC stopped_VVD in_PRP the_AT0 doorway_NN1 of_PRF the_AT0 smallest_AJS ,_PUN the_AT0 nursery_NN1 ,_PUN now_AV0 empty_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ This_DT0 one_PNI ._SENT "_PUQ 
Adam_NP0 followed_VVD her_PNP into_PRP the_AT0 room_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP ran_VVD a_AT0 finger_NN1 over_PRP the_AT0 grimy_AJ0 wall_NN1 and_CJC uncovered_VVD a_AT0 patch_NN1 of_PRF faded_AJ0 baby-blue_AJ0 paint_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ She_PNP was_VBD excited_AJ0 to_TO0 be_VBI having_VHG a_AT0 boy_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP remember_VVB watching_VVG her_DPS paint_NN1 over_PRP the_AT0 pink_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ She_PNP pointed_VVD to_PRP a_AT0 scuff_NN1 on_PRP the_AT0 wall_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ Your_DPS crib_NN1 was_VBD there_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ 
Adam_NP0 pivoted_VVD ,_PUN scanning_VVG the_AT0 room_NN1 ,_PUN his_DPS face_NN1 creased_VVN with_PRP concentration_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ I_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 remember_VVI anything_PNI ._SENT "_PUQ 
For_PRP the_AT0 best_AJS ._SENT 
Bree_NP0 turned_VVD on_PRP her_DPS heel_NN1 and_CJC went_VVD back_AVP into_PRP the_AT0 hall_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP halted_VVD in_PRP another_DT0 doorway_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ This_DT0 was_VBD their_DPS room_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ Is_VBZ this_DT0 where_AVQ he_PNP killed_VVD her_PNP ?_SENT "_PUQ Adam_NP0 asked_VVD from_PRP behind_PRP her_PNP ._SENT 
"_PUQ I_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 know_VVI ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ But_CJC you_PNP were_VBD here_AV0 ,_PUN "_PUQ he_PNP protested_VVD ._SENT 
Bree_NP0 whirled_VVD to_TO0 face_VVI him_PNP ._SENT Anger_NN1 heated_VVD her_DPS face_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ I_PNP did_VDD n't_XX0 wait_VVI around_AVP to_TO0 watch_VVI him_PNP do_VDI it_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ I_PNP 'm_VBB sorry_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ Adam_NP0 looked_VVD away_AV0 ._SENT 
Bree_NP0 breathed_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ No._NN1 It_PNP 's_VBZ all_AV0 right_AJ0 ._SENT You_PNP have_VHB a_AT0 right_NN1 to_TO0 know_VVI ,_PUN but_CJC I_PNP was_VBD only_AV0 eight_CRD ._SENT My_DPS memories_NN2 have_VHB definite_AJ0 blank_AJ0 spots_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ 
She_PNP glanced_VVD back_AVP into_PRP the_AT0 room_NN1 ._SENT Despite_PRP what_DTQ she_PNP 'd_VHD told_VVN Adam_NP0 ,_PUN a_AT0 clear_AJ0 picture_NN1 formed_VVN in_PRP her_DPS mind_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ They_PNP were_VBD fighting_VVG in_PRP there_AV0 ,_PUN "_PUQ Bree_NP0 admitted_VVD ._SENT 
And_CJC that_DT0 's_VBZ the_AT0 spot_NN1 where_AVQ Daddy_NN1 pinned_VVD Mommy_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 wall_NN1 ._SENT One_CRD big_AJ0 hand_NN1 curled_VVD around_AVP her_DPS throat_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 other_NN1 held_VVD a_AT0 gun_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 muzzle_NN1 pressed_VVD against_PRP her_DPS forehead_NN1 ._SENT In_PRP the_AT0 warm_AJ0 ,_PUN humid_AJ0 air_NN1 ,_PUN clammy_AJ0 sweat_NN1 broke_VVD out_AVP between_PRP Bree_NP0 's_POS shoulder_NN1 blades_NN2 ._SENT Her_DPS heart_NN1 thudded_VVD against_PRP her_DPS ribs_NN2 in_PRP a_AT0 thin_AJ0 ,_PUN panicky_AJ0 rhythm_NN1 ._SENT 
Do_VDB n't_XX0 make_VVI me_PNP hurt_VVI you_PNP ._SENT You_PNP always_AV0 make_VVB me_PNP hurt_VVI you_PNP ._SENT 
Memories_NN2 assaulted_VVD her_PNP ._SENT Bree_NP0 grabbing_VVG her_DPS siblings_NN2 and_CJC taking_VVG them_PNP under_PRP the_AT0 porch_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 winter_NN1 wind_NN1 blowing_VVG through_PRP thin_AJ0 pajamas_NN2 ._SENT Terror_NN1 shaking_VVG their_DPS very_AJ0 bones_NN2 ._SENT 
The_AT0 echo_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 gunshot_NN1 ._SENT 
She_PNP flinched_VVD ._SENT 
She_PNP moved_VVD back_AVP down_PRP the_AT0 hallway_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 kitchen_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP could_VM0 sense_VVI Adam_NP0 behind_PRP her_PNP ,_PUN but_CJC she_PNP did_VDD n't_XX0 narrate_VVI her_DPS recollection_NN1 for_PRP him_PNP ._SENT How_AVQ much_DT0 did_VDD he_PNP need_VVI to_TO0 know_VVI ?_SENT Did_VDD he_PNP really_AV0 want_VVB these_DT0 images_NN2 in_PRP his_DPS head_NN1 ?_SENT Once_CJS they_PNP lodged_VVD there_AV0 ,_PUN they_PNP 'd_VM0 remain_VVI forever_AV0 ,_PUN like_PRP a_AT0 tattoo_NN1 —_PUN or_CJC a_AT0 deep_AJ0 scar_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ Daddy_NN1 had_VHD a_AT0 gun_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ Bree_NP0 said_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ I_PNP took_VVD you_PNP and_CJC Erin_NP0 out_PRP the_AT0 back_NN1 door_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
Even_AV0 at_PRP eight_CRD ,_PUN she_PNP 'd_VHD known_VVN they_PNP needed_VVD to_TO0 hide_VVI ._SENT She_PNP 'd_VHD recognized_VVN the_AT0 murderous_AJ0 look_NN1 in_PRP her_DPS father_NN1 's_POS eyes_NN2 was_VBD different_AJ0 from_PRP his_DPS usual_AJ0 anger_NN1 ,_PUN which_DTQ had_VHD been_VBN bad_AJ0 enough_AV0 ._SENT A_AT0 shudder_NN1 passed_VVN through_PRP her_DPS bones_NN2 ,_PUN shaking_VVG her_PNP from_PRP her_DPS athletic_AJ0 shoes_NN2 to_PRP her_DPS uniform_AJ0 shirt_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 house_NN1 was_VBD empty_AJ0 ,_PUN but_CJC Bree_NP0 's_POS hand_NN1 hovered_VVD over_AVP her_DPS service_NN1 weapon_NN1 ,_PUN as_CJS if_CJS she_PNP could_VM0 go_VVI back_AVP in_PRP time_NN1 and_CJC save_VVB her_DPS mother_NN1 ._SENT 
She_PNP flexed_VVD her_DPS fingers_NN2 and_CJC lowered_VVD her_DPS hand_NN1 ._SENT 
There_EX0 was_VBD no_AT0 one_PNI to_TO0 save_VVI today_AV0 ._SENT 
Adam_NP0 moved_VVD toward_PRP the_AT0 back_NN1 door_NN1 ._SENT Bree_NP0 followed_VVD him_PNP out_AVP onto_PRP the_AT0 porch_NN1 ._SENT He_PNP 'd_VHD replaced_VVN boards_NN2 here_AV0 too_AV0 ._SENT They_PNP descended_VVD into_PRP the_AT0 weedy_AJ0 yard_NN1 and_CJC turned_VVD to_TO0 face_VVI the_AT0 house_NN1 ._SENT 
Bree_NP0 pointed_VVD to_PRP the_AT0 porch_NN1 steps_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ There_EX0 was_VBD a_AT0 loose_AJ0 board_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP 'd_VHD hidden_VVN under_PRP there_AV0 before_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ She_PNP did_VDD n't_XX0 have_VHI to_TO0 elaborate_VVI on_PRP what_DTQ —_PUN no_ITJ ,_PUN who_PNQ —_PUN she_PNP 'd_VHD hidden_VVN from_PRP ._SENT Adam_NP0 knew_VVD ,_PUN even_AV0 if_CJS he_PNP did_VDD n't_XX0 remember_VVI ._SENT 
"_PUQ Then_AV0 what_DTQ ?_SENT "_PUQ He_PNP looked_VVD like_PRP he_PNP was_VBD holding_VVG his_DPS breath_NN1 ._SENT 
Bree_NP0 shivered_VVD hard_AV0 ._SENT It_PNP had_VHD been_VBN cold_AJ0 that_DT0 night_NN1 ._SENT She_PNP felt_VVD the_AT0 icy_AJ0 dirt_NN1 beneath_PRP her_DPS bare_AJ0 feet_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 bitter_AJ0 chill_NN1 seeping_VVG through_PRP the_AT0 thin_AJ0 fabric_NN1 of_PRF her_DPS pajamas_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ A_AT0 gun_NN1 went_VVD off_AVP ._SENT "_PUQ 
The_AT0 dogs_NN2 had_VHD been_VBN barking_VVG ._SENT One_PNI had_VHD howled_VVN ._SENT The_AT0 sound_NN1 memory_NN1 rippled_VVD over_PRP Bree_NP0 ._SENT Despite_PRP the_AT0 summer_NN1 warmth_NN1 ,_PUN goose_NN1 bumps_NN2 rose_VVD on_PRP the_AT0 skin_NN1 of_PRF her_DPS arms_NN2 ._SENT 
"_PUQ How_AVQ long_AJ0 were_VBD we_PNP under_PRP there_AV0 ?_SENT "_PUQ Adam_NP0 asked_VVD ._SENT 
"_PUQ I_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 know_VVI ._SENT A_AT0 while_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ Long_AV0 enough_AV0 to_TO0 get_VVI very_AV0 cold_AJ0 ._SENT 
"_PUQ What_DTQ happened_VVD next_ORD ?_SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ I_PNP 'm_VBB not_XX0 sure_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ Bree_NP0 sensed_VVD a_AT0 blank_AJ0 spot_NN1 in_PRP her_DPS recollection_NN1 ._SENT Had_VHD her_DPS eight-year-old_AJ0 self_NN1 shut_VVD down_AVP with_PRP shock_NN1 at_PRP that_DT0 point_NN1 ?_SENT She_PNP vaguely_AV0 recalled_VVD slamming_VVG doors_NN2 ,_PUN loud_AJ0 footsteps_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC shouting_VVG ._SENT 
Another_DT0 gunshot_NN1 ._SENT 
Daddy_NN1 ?_SENT 
Did_VDD it_PNP really_AV0 matter_VVB ?_SENT She_PNP knew_VVD enough_AV0 ._SENT Her_DPS father_NN1 had_VHD killed_VVN her_DPS mother_NN1 and_CJC himself_PNX ._SENT The_AT0 three_CRD siblings_NN2 had_VHD been_VBN split_VVN up_AVP shortly_AV0 after_PRP ._SENT Adam_NP0 and_CJC Erin_NP0 had_VHD been_VBN raised_VVN by_PRP their_DPS grandmother_NN1 ,_PUN while_CJS Bree_NP0 had_VHD been_VBN sent_VVN to_TO0 live_VVI with_PRP a_AT0 cousin_NN1 in_PRP Philadelphia_NP0 ._SENT 
"_PUQ The_AT0 sheriff_NN1 came_VVD ._SENT "_PUQ Bree_NP0 had_VHD never_AV0 set_VVN foot_NN1 on_PRP the_AT0 property_NN1 again_AV0 —_PUN until_CJS today_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ He_PNP took_VVD us_PNP to_PRP the_AT0 station_NN1 and_CJC called_VVD the_AT0 family_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
Adam_NP0 stared_VVD at_PRP the_AT0 house_NN1 ._SENT He_PNP looked_VVD disappointed_AJ0 ._SENT 
"_PUQ I_PNP 'm_VBB sorry_AJ0 I_PNP ca_VM0 n't_XX0 tell_VVI you_PNP more_AV0 ,_PUN "_PUQ she_PNP said_VVD ._SENT 
"_PUQ No._NN1 It_PNP 's_VBZ enough_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ He_PNP reached_VVD for_PRP her_DPS hand_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ Thanks_NN2 for_PRP sharing_VVG that_CJT with_PRP me_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ 
"_PUQ You_PNP 're_VBB welcome_AJ0 ._SENT "_PUQ Bree_NP0 squeezed_VVD his_DPS fingers_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ What_DTQ will_VM0 you_PNP do_VDI with_PRP the_AT0 place_NN1 ?_SENT "_PUQ 
If_CJS it_PNP were_VBD hers_PNP ,_PUN she_PNP would_VM0 burn_VVI the_AT0 house_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 ground_NN1 ._SENT But_CJC she_PNP doubted_VVD Adam_NP0 would_VM0 ._SENT He_PNP seemed_VVD to_TO0 want_VVI to_TO0 maintain_VVI the_AT0 structure_NN1 as_PRP some_DT0 sort_NN1 of_PRF shrine_NN1 ._SENT 
"_PUQ I_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 know_VVI ._SENT "_PUQ His_DPS brow_NN1 knitted_VVD ,_PUN and_CJC his_DPS eyes_NN2 looked_VVD lost_AJ0 ._SENT 
