Windows

“Olivia is not well enough to leave behind—if she remains here she undoubtedly will be imprisoned, a fate she does not deserve," Philippe shouted to the assembled group, over the roar of the car engine.  "We will have to bring her with us.”  He turned to Kitty.  “You, however, must remain.  Your mother will be kindly treated by my people, so you need not worry.  Our agents here will help you to create a new identity and begin a new life.”

“So much for soul mates,” she snorted, but Philippe furiously returned, “I would come back for you as soon as possible.”

Kitty shook her head.  “No.  Just  no.  I’m going—where to, I have no idea, but I’m going, so stop trying to talk me out of it.  I’m not going to let whoever wants to kill me just hunt me down like a dog.  Aunt Jessica should stay, though.”

“You can’t leave me here!” Aunt Jessica protested.  “How on earth am I supposed to explain everything that happened?  They might even think I did it!”

“She has a point,” Eric put in.  “It might be better for Olivia as well, to have her sister near.”

When Aunt Jessica nodded her agreement, Philippe argued, “But you do not understand…if you come with us, you will never be able to return!”

“Sounds good to me,” Aunt Jessica answered.  Frowning, Philippe said to Kitty, “You must remain here—that is beyond argument.  As for your family, this is not a decision I feel able to make on their behalf.”

“Then I’ll make it!” Kitty said, and floored the gas pedal.  Philippe dove for the steering wheel, but it was too late: Kitty had steered the car straight into the shimmering window.

*From my upcoming YA series, A Window to the World