Free Poison Princess by Kresley Cole Page B

Evie.”
    Then she needs to be home with us, I almost said. No, two years and out. “I understand.”
    â€œI don’t think you do. She’s very convincing. She’s got an answer for everything. Hell, she could get anyone spooked about this drought, connecting it to her crazy doomsday scenarios.”
    â€œWhat did she say?” I asked quickly.
    Mom narrowed her gaze, blue eyes flashing. “Wrong question. We are not concerned with what she says.” She pointed a finger at me. “She forfeited any consideration from us the day she tried to . . . kidnap you.”
    I glanced away, part of me wanting to dredge up memories of that day, part of me fearing to. “I know, Mom.”
    â€œShe got you to the Texas state line before the cops pulled her over. God knows where she was taking you. Do you remember any of that?”
    â€œI remember the arrest.” To her credit, Gran had gone with the officers peacefully, her expression satisfied. In a serene voice, she’d murmured, “I’ve told you all you need to know , Evie. You’ll do just fine. Everything will be just fine.”
    But I had been hysterical. When they’d cuffed her, I’d kicked the men, screaming.
    I glanced up at Mom. “I don’t remember much of the drive, though.” I didn’t remember all I needed to know . If I believed in Gran, then that meant I wouldn’t do just fine.
    Nothing would be just fine. Unless I remembered. But no pressure, Evie.
    â€œI’m sure she was filling your head with nonsense.”
    Yes, of course. Nonsense. The docs had told me that I’d internalized some of the things she’d said. That sounded about right. Maybe?
    â€œHer mother was sick before her, my great-grandmother too.”
    I hated being reminded of that. I snapped, “I filled out the CLC family history, Mom.” I already knew I was the latest generation in a bloodline that had been boiling with madness for ages.
    â€œEvie, listen, we’re on the right track. We can make this work. You’ve just got to trust me.”
    A breeze blew, ruffling my cane. “And what about the farm? What happens if we don’t get rain?”
    â€œWhat happens is that your mother will figure something out. You don’t worry about anything except school.”
    School. Studying. The idea of cracking a book left me nauseated. “But, Mom—”
    â€œI will figure something out.” Her shoulders went back, chin up, eyes bright with determination—a force of nature. Frau Badass.
    I could almost feel sorry for the drought.
    A family friend had once told me that when my dad disappeared during a fishing trip in the Basin, Mom had taken up the search herself. She’d journeyed deep into the million-acre swamp, determined to scour every inch for her husband, a kindhearted, jovial man she’d adored.
    To no avail. He’d vanished without a trace. I’d been only two years old.
    Though Karen Greene had a genteel facade, with her flawless hair and manners, I could easily imagine her in waders steering a johnboat, staring down alligators.
    And to think I’d once shown signs of being just like her. I’d wanted so badly to make her proud. Until my platform-dive fall from grace.
    Now I was just the latest crazy girl to live in Haven House.

DAY 1 B.F.
    As Mel ushered me into a seat in front of my mirror, I demanded, “ This is how I’m supposed to compete with Clotile?”
    With borrowed clothes—a shimmery red Versace halter, black micromini, knee-high Italian boots—and flashy makeup?
    Lipstick color: Harlot Letter.
    Mel was over at my house, prepping me for date night because she felt the need to sluttify my outfit so I could stand a chance against Clotile’s “free-balling lady lumps.”
    The girl had shown up at the game last night in a tube top and skintight boy shorts.
    I told myself Brand would’ve missed those