Page 82 of Return of the Bad Girl (Rock Canyon, Idaho 4)

“If anyone wants a dog, I believe they’re ready,” a male voice called from the back of the house.

Gabe touched her arm and said, “I’m going to grab some food. How many hot dogs do you want?”

“One, thanks,” Caroline said, waiting until Gabe had walked away before she grabbed Ellie’s good wrist. “Come with me.”

Ellie started to protest, but Caroline ignored her until they reached Val’s room. She pulled her sister inside and shut and locked the door.

Turning to face Ellie, she said, “This has to stop.”

“I told you—”

“And I’m telling you, I know what it looks like when my sister is getting knocked around,” Caroline said, thinking of a bartender she’d employed. The woman’s husband was a mean son of a bitch and had beaten her so badly, he’d put her in the hospital.

“You need to tell someone what he’s doing to you, Ellie.”

Ellie laughed, though there was no humor in it. “Who are you to tell me what I need to do?”

Ellie sounded so hostile that Caroline hesitated, and for a minute, she wasn’t sure what to say.

“I just don’t like seeing you hurt, that’s all.”

“You don’t know anything, so why don’t you just mind your own fucking business?” Ellie snapped, heading for the door.

Caroline blocked her way. “I know you deserve better than black eyes and bruised wrists. You deserve a man who wouldn’t hurt you for the world.”

“Oh, ’cause it’s so easy for you to give me advice. ’Cause you’ve never made any mistakes or messed up, right?”

“Of course I have, which is why—”

“Why, what? You think you can give me advice ’cause you’ve been there?” Ellie countered. “You don’t know anything about what I’m going through, so don’t start butting in on my business and telling me what I should do, Caroline.” Ellie pulled Caroline out of the way and left the room. Several seconds later, the front door slammed.

Way to ruin the party, Caroline.

Everything Ellie said was true. Caroline didn’t have any right casting stones.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Val asked, peeking her head in.

“Nothing,” Caroline said, clearing her throat. “I suggested that maybe Ellie needed to see a doctor about all this clumsiness, and I guess I overstepped.”

“She has been crazy accident prone,” Val said, coming fully into the room and shutting the door. “I invited Daddy.”

“What did he say?” Caroline asked, surprised.

“He couldn’t come to the phone, but I gave all the details to Teresa,” Val said sadly. “I was just hoping he might make an effort, you know?”

“I know, honey,” Caroline said, wrapping her arms around her sister. Caroline could’ve told Val that they’d spent too many years as kids, waiting for their dad to make an effort, but considering how well

her most recent sisterly advice had gone over, she stayed quiet.

“Speaking of Daddy, have you heard anything else on why he’s digging stuff up on Kyle?” Caroline asked casually.

“Nothing new, but I imagine Senator Jenner is very thorough at hiding things. Why are you asking?”

“I’m just curious. Dad’s adored Kyle since we were kids.”

“That’s because they’re both assholes, and like follows like.”

“Dad is nothing like Kyle,” Caroline snapped.