With a sullen look, Melanie grumbled, "I actually didn't want to stay at your house. But we didn't have another choice. Frank said it was safer if I was taken care of—"

Melanie stopped, realizing that such a confession could lower her self-esteem.

"If I lived temporarily in this house," she corrected, raising her chin. "As soon as it's safe, I'll go back to Frank's house. So, you don't need to feel uncomfortable. Right, Frank?"

Frank scrunched up one side of his face. "Yes."

"I don't ...