Kari followed Evan down the hall in silence, her steps quick and uneven. Her chest still burned with anger, disbelief simmering beneath the surface. By the time they reached his room, she could barely keep her thoughts straight.
As soon as the door closed, she spun toward him. “I can’t believe he said that,” she burst out. “My dad actually thinks Joe could do something like this? He’s known him his entire life!”
Evan leaned against the door, his shoulders slumping slightly. “He’s trying to protect us, Kari. That doesn’t mean he’s right.”
“He’s not right,” she snapped, pacing across the room. “Joe wouldn’t hurt anyone. He’s angry sometimes, sure, but not like that. Not… not like this.”
Evan watched her quietly, letting her words tumble out. When she stopped, her breathing sharp, he spok
