In that split second, I realized her intention. She was going to scald my hand – to ruin my ability to compete.
My reflexes saved me. I jerked my hand back just as Victoria activated the dispenser.
Hot water gushed out, narrowly missing my fingers. Only a few drops splashed onto my skin, causing a minor sting.
Victoria, caught off balance by my sudden movement, stumbled forward. Her own hand slipped directly under the stream of boiling water.
Her scream echoed through the small room, piercing and genuine. Victoria clutched her scalded hand to her chest, her face contorted in real pain this time.
"Help! Someone help me!" she cried, tears streaming down her face.
The door burst open as Emma ran in, proving she had been waiting outside all along. Her eyes widened with theatrical h
