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“Does Grandpa own this building too?” I ask.

“Not for long.” The bitter tone makes goosebumps rise on my arms.

I’m about to turn around when something burns my back. I scream in pain and stumble to the floor.

“You little shit. Tell me where your mom is hiding the key.” He’s holding a branding iron. I recognize it from a show I saw on woodworking with my parents. “Tell me!” he shouts.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Wearing a horrific clown mask, he comes closer. “Liar. Your mom has the key to millions of dollars that belong to everyone in The Triad. The bitch is keeping it to herself. Tell me, and I won’t hurt you.”

He’s lying. My back hurts so much. He’s going to kill me. I shouldn’t have come here. I kick him, push myself up, and race toward the door.

“Help me! Mommy!” I scream for my life.

As I reach the door, another searing pain stabs my back. My skin sizzles, making this awful sound and smell. He cackles from behind me. I hate him. I want to use a weapon on him too.

He presses the iron tool harder, and I see stars. I think I’m going to die.

Mommy, Daddy.

My body trembles as I collapse onto the floor.

“Little bitch! You think you can run from me? Nobody runs from Ghost!” He walks over to a counter, drops the iron tool with a clank, and grabs a whip.

I can’t move. I’m so weak. My skin burns. What if I don’t get to see my mom or dad again? Tears blur my vision. Why is Ghost doing this? I don’t understand.

Ghost whips the floor twice, and I flinch. The sound terrifies me. He comes closer, and I gather my strength to crawl away.

I scream as the whip lands on my back, hitting the sore spots.

“This is how we punish our enemies,” he seethes.

I want to tell him I’m not his enemy, but I’m in too much pain. He whips me a few more times, then he stops. I hear noises and glance over to see him grabbing a container.

The door bursts open, and Mom runs to me. “Vivian!”

Tears rush down my face. “Mom . . .” I’m in too much pain to say more.

She gathers me into her arms. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” She glares at Ghost.

“Tell me where the key is.”

“What key?”

“The key to all the gold and cash! You think I’m stupid?” He comes closer, bringing the plastic container. “I heard you talking to King Viper! Don’t lie to me.”

“My father is going to kill you.”

Ghost approaches. “If he catches me.”

Up close, I see the word acid on the container. I don’t know where I get the strength, but I tug at my mom’s arm.

“Mom! Go!” I don’t want her to get hurt.

“No! Stop!” she shouts. She struggles with him, throwing her body over mine.

My mom’s painful screams seep into me. My body shakes as though her scream is inside me.