My phone buzzed—Shaun asking if he was coming to Danny's place later—Danny's parents were out of town & his older brother supplied enough pills to make everyone forget their own names.

Another from dad, Need to watch the brat tonight.

My sister. Always my fucking sister. Like I was some kind of free built-in babysitter

Something about her very existence seemed designed to piss me off.

Inside my bag sat a small baggie of pills I'd promised to deliver to Tyler. All while my FBI father thought I was at debate club.

The house came into view—I unlocked the front door, and headed straight for the stairs. As I passed her bedroom door, Silently, i slipped inside and glanced around. I grinned as he spotted her hairbrush on the dresser

Quickly, I pulled out a small tube of super glue, applying it to the handle of the brush.

I locked bedroom door and went straight to air vent near my desk. Prying it open, I pulled out my stash box—a hollowed-out copy of "Crime and Punishment" that my father had given me. Instead, it made the perfect hiding spot for his collection of pills, powders, and cash.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, eyes looked clearer.

I could hear my father's key in the front door as I descended the stairs.

"Hey, Dad,"

"Ryder, How was school?"

I smiled and nodded and gave all the right answers

"Dad, do I have to stay home tonight?"

my father's expression softened. "I know it's tough, but your sister needs supervision. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

"Yeah, whatever,"

father's phone rang, face hardened into his work expression. Another case.

"Sorry, kids, Duty calls."

"No problem. I've got things covered."

As my father's car backed out the driveway, I turned to my sister

"What are you staring at?"

Ihated her. Hated the responsibility of her. Hated how my life would be so much simpler if she just disappeared.