Chapter 31

Latisha slowly reached out, scooping up a handful of ash from the ground. The wind blew, and it slipped through her fingers, scattering into the night.

She looked up at Clifford, helpless.

Clifford stood over her, looking down with an air of absolute authority, as if he had just disposed of some worthless trash.

In his eyes, she was no different from that trash. Her friends, her life, everything she cared about was meaningless to him.

She pushed herself up from the ground and began to sign: *Why? Why are you doing this to me?*

Clifford stepped closer and gently wiped a tear from her cheek. "These things don't belong here," he said softly.

"I told you to stay away from Nikita. Why can't you just listen?"