James turned around and went to the restroom.

The room was silent as Derek started thinking.

The restroom door creaked closed behind James, its sound echoing through the walls like a bell.

Derek stood motionless, still facing the doorway, as if half expecting James to return and tell him it was all a cruel test.

But no.

He had meant every word.

Take her out.

Kill her.

Roxanne.

His daughter.

Pregnant.

Derek swallowed hard. His mouth tasted like dust and ash, and yet his ...