Two took positions at the staircase, while the other two stood by the door.

Entering the attic, Davey, noticing Casey's absence, inquired, “Raegan, where's my Casey?"

Raegan stood defiantly, her smile unyielding. "Mr. Glyn, you speak of ‘your Casey’ with such affection, as if you hadn't torn my mother away from me."

She no longer felt the urge to address him with respect, her disdain for him deep and evident.

Davey chuckled. "Raegan, you really don't get it, do you? Those who cross me never fare well."

“Why would I want to understand you?" Raegan shot back disdainfully, "You keep us here against our will, and then accuse us of betrayal for trying to escape?"

Davey's expression darkened immediately, his lips curling as he cautioned, "Raegan, I'd think twice if I were you about making me angry."

Raegan sneered, “Mr. Glyn, your reasoning is an insult to common sense everywhere. I'm not afraid of you."

Davey sized up Raegan for a moment and offered a thin smile. “Just be ready to face the consequences."

"So what, you're planning to kill me? It's not like it's the first time," Raegan retorted defiantly. "What is this now, the fourth time? Or maybe the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth?"

As Davey's face turned even colder, Raegan kept at it. "You've been after me for years because of Katie. Katie's as twisted as you are. You two are the perfect pair."

Losing his patience, Davey stepped closer. “Raegan, tell me where Casey is now, and maybe I'll spare your life."

As Davey approached, Raegan grabbed a hidden bat from behind her and swung.

But this time she wasn't successful. Davey was ready and caught the bat with his hands, holding it tight.

Raegan struggled to pull it free, but couldn't.

At the same time, Davey's other hand was already wrapping around Raegan's throat. He pushed her back against the only window ledge in the attic.

Struggling for breath, Raegan clutched at the window frame, terrified she would fall.

The attic was several feet above the ground. A fall from this height could leave her paralyzed or even dead.

Rage flared in Davey's eyes as he seemed ready to end Raegan. In his eyes, Raegan was no longer his daughter, even though he had once thought about reconciling.

Raegan's decision to take Casey away was a step too far for Davey.