Chapter 2

The next day, Dad comes home from a family meeting and locks himself in his office.

I follow him in with a bowl of black medicine.

“Dad. Drink this.”

He looks at the bowl.

“What is that?”

“My Back-from-the-Dead Super Tonic.”

Dad rubs his temple.

“Give some to Bruno first. If he survives, I’ll drink it.”

“No. Bruno is my best dog-friend.”

Dad stares at me.

“Mom said you used to test all her medicine. Why can’t you test mine?”

“Your mother at least examined me before making me drink it.”

I look at the glowing number above his head.

Nine.

“Mom said you’re going to die a violent death. You know what that means, right?”

Dad answers flatly.

“It means I won’t die peacefully.”

I nod.

“So checking your pulse won’t help. But this can keep poison from killing you for a while.”

Martin’s eyes light up.

“Sir, she’s your own daughter. She wouldn’t hurt you.”

Dad takes the bowl and drains it.

The number above his head flickers.

Nine.

Ten.

My eyes light up.

“Congratulations, Dad! My tonic bought you one more day.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I pull an agreement from inside my coat.

“Now sign this inheritance agreement. When you die, everything you own becomes mine.”

Dad’s face goes dark.

Martin grabs his chest again and slowly lowers himself into a chair.