How did I make it to the garden? Or the fence? Onto the street? I don't recall. Though when I finally started thinking again, Josephine was beside me, one hand on my arm, so I could only assume she was the reason I remained alive.

A choking sob escaped me when understanding returned. Sassafras. He died to save me. And Georgina killed him. She had to be working with Samuel.

Mum would never forgive me. And even if she did, I knew my own forgiveness would be forever in the ...