Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

"Christopher?" I gasped.

I had planned to slip away quietly, but Christopher's desperate cries were so loud they drew a crowd.

It was then I realized Coral Villa looked the same as before, yet it had changed in so many ways. Otherwise, where did all these people come from?

A guard in black kicked Christopher hard in the back, sending him sprawling face-first into the ground. Another guard pinned his arms behind him, while two more stood in front of me protectively.

As I looked back, Nicholas strode forward, trailed by a line of caretakers. The scene was so absurd that I didn't know whether to laugh or sigh.

Nicholas reached me in a few quick steps and pulled me behind him. "Are you hurt?"

I shook my head and instinctively pushed his hand away, putting some distance between us. I pretended not to notice the fleeting disappointment in his eyes as I walked up to Christopher and looked down at him.

dust clung to Christopher's lips

I know I was wrong. Please, ask Mr. Hawk to show mercy, to spare my family. My son is only 10 years old-he needs

it's like for a child to grow up

someone plead like this as if each word were a knife aimed at my heart. My Tabitha

Nicholas took a step forward. His leather shoes landed squarely on Christopher's mouth. I had never seen him

family's affairs, not to make a nuisance

so many people around, I decided not to correct him. But the moment softly called his name, all other sounds seemed to

imposing demeanor that shocked them-it was the way his foot retreated, and the faint smile that played on his lips

at Coral Villa long enough

grown more unpredictable. Even the slightest

on in disbelief. They seemed

they were thinking. I only gave Nicholas a sidelong glance and asked, "What do