“Stop overreacting, you’re ruining her day!” my mother hissed, grabbing my hair and pushing me over the balcony railing at my sister’s party. I blacked out. When I woke up, the upscale venue was surrounded by federal agents, and my mother was sobbing on her knees while my sister held a document and begged me…

in the pale winter sunlight. The house itself was a sprawling Victorian monstrosity of red brick and arched, imposing windows.

When the heavy mahogany front door swung open, the scent of roasted sage and expensive perfume assaulted my senses. The entrance hall, illuminated by a cascading crystal chandelier, was already swarming with the Turner clan.continue reading …