Page 107 of Bang

It was one of the craziest things I'd ever heard. It wasn't just because of the knocking either.

It was early December, and even though the river hadn't yet begun to freeze over, it was long past boating season.

I just had to ask, "And what does Mason think of all this?"

"I dunno," she said. "He's never home when they do it."

Considering that Mason worked long hours and traveled regularly, this wasn't terribly surprising. I made a mental note to mention it when he returned home.

But now, I was beyond curious. "Wait here," I said. "I'm gonna check the monitor." And with that, I turned away and strode toward the first-floor media closet.

Once inside, I consulted the oversized video monitor, which channeled nine live feeds from strategic cameras placed outside the house. I zoomed in on the panel that showed the back-patio door.

Yup, we definitely had company.

But it wasn't the teenagers.

It was Livia.

Chapter 39

Cami

I stared at the monitor. On the screen, Livia was wearing an outfit similar to what she'd been wearing the other night, along with the same black ankle boots.

As I watched, she lifted both of her fists and pounded again on the patio door.

Just yesterday, I'd called Livia to demand answers on what exactly she was doing here in Bayside. She hadn't answeredorcalled me back.

She'dalsoignored all of my texts, including one I'd sent just this morning, asking what she hoped to accomplish by taking a job that was so opposite of everything she liked.

As if I didn't know.

And now, here she was, literally at the back door.

To see me?Doubtful.

Probably she was here to see Mason.

I gave a low scoff.Good luck with that, sister.

Mason had been gone for two days now, and wouldn't be returning for three more. This gave me the perfect opportunity to get some answerswithoutan audience.

By the time I reached the back door, Livia was knocking yet again. When I yanked the door open, she gave me an accusing look. "It took you long enough."

Yes. It had.Normally, I'd feel guilty for making a visitor wait, but considering Livia's recent behavior, I was short on guilt, and long on irritation.

I leaned sideways to peer around her. Sure enough, I spotted a bright red dinghy pulled up onto the river bank directly behind Mason's house.

I had to give Livia credit. She was showing a surprising amount of initiative.

I looked back to her and said with a sarcastic smile, "Can I help you?"

With a sarcastic smile of her own, she said, "Yeah. You can switch."

"Switch what?"

"Kids," she said. "Mine are monsters."