Scarlett’s POV

The curb was cold beneath me as I sat beside Marcus, my knees drawn up to my chest,

My face aching where David had slapped me. I could still hear the echo of his warning ringing in my ears.

Derek lay groaning nearby, his head in his hands, blood streaked on his shirt.

We were all too stunned to speak. The neighbors watched from behind their curtains and half-opened doors, their whispers drifting to us in the hot afternoon air.

I pulled out my phone, hands trembling. “I’ll ...