Page 100 of Twilight Tactics

“They’re not lies. I tried to find you—”

“After what? Fourteen years? When it was convenient?” Iris stopped pacing and leaned against the wall. “While you were getting your education, building your perfect new life, I was here. Being punished for your escape.”

Elena’s stomach twisted. “What do you mean?”

“Mom helped you get away, but she couldn’t save us both. She chose you.” Bitterness dripped from every word.

“That’s not true. She asked you about leaving. Asked if you were happy. Asked if you wanted a different life. You told her you didn’t. I know because I overheard the conversation.”

“I was scared! Scared to tell her the truth! Of course I wanted out.”

Elena could only gape. “What?” she whispered.

“I hated it here too.”

“But you never—”

“Because I couldn’t! If I hated it, then Dad would be...” She looked away.

“Disappointed in you.”

“Yeah.” The hard look returned. “And while I don’t care now, his approval was everything to me back then. After you and Mom left, they watched me constantly. Suspected I might run too. Extra work, less food, regular ‘discipline’ sessions, more training, nonstop exhaustion.”

“Iris, I’m so sorry. If I’d known—”

“You didn’t want to know!” Iris’s voice rose. “You were free! Living your dream while I suffered for your sins.”

Elena stood slowly, fighting another wave of dizziness. “So all this—the attacks on the ranch, the drones, the bombs—that was you?”

“Yes. With a little help. It was my way for you to disappear without bringing attention to the preppers.” She frowned. “But you found out about it. How?”

“When I came looking for you and Dad. I came across a meeting between Owen and some of the other preppers and the mob.”

“I see. Well, that answers a few questions.”

Elena considered a surprise attack on her sister and making a run for it, but she wasn’t sure that was the best move. Iris was just as skilled as she was in self-defense. Elena honestly wasn’t sure she could beat her in hand-to-hand combat. “Why involve the mob? Why Bellini’s people?”

Iris laughed. “LaVoy came to us with a problem—a little witness they needed to silence. I saw an opportunity. Theyprovided resources, weapons, technology, and money. I provided local knowledge and manpower.”

“You?”

“Yes. I replaced LaRoche. Poor man had an accident that left him paralyzed. He was voted out and I was voted in.”

Elena stared at this woman and realized she had no idea who she was. She was a stranger. Not the teenager from her past, that was for sure. The one she’d had fun with, shared secrets with for the first fourteen years of her life. “So you partnered with criminals to ... what? Get revenge on me?”

“Not just that, although that was a bonus. But to build something.” Iris’s eyes flashed. “LaVoy recognized my potential when no one else did. He gave me authority, respect. Together, we’re transforming this community into something powerful.”

“The attack on the ranch wasn’t just about Ollie.” As she’d suspected. But she’d never considered her own sister could be behind everything.

“Of course not. I honestly didn’t care if they got her or not. My goal was you. It was about drawing you out. I spotted you in town months ago but couldn’t believe it was really you—living so close all this time. I had Spencer watch you, confirm it was Eleanor Higgins hiding as Elena Thompson. He even tried to grab you at the fence line when he realized it was you.”

“I see. So you orchestrated all this chaos just to get to me?”

She scoffed. “No, I wanted the money Bellini was offering. But then I got to thinking that this would be the moment I had been dreaming of for years. To make you suffer what I’ve endured since you left. I figured I’d use the chaos for that purpose.” Iris shrugged. “When that failed, I had to get creative. Dad was reluctant, but he still follows orders when properly motivated.”

The betrayal cut deep once more. She shoved it aside. “What happens now?”

“Now?” Iris smiled. “Now you pay for abandoning me. For fourteen years of freedom while I remained caged. The council will decide your punishment tomorrow. I’ve recommended reeducation.”