Deadly Ultimatum

Valerie’s POV

The kitchen smelled like tomato sauce and fresh basil. The pot was bubbling on the stove, the lid tilted slightly to let the steam out, and I was standing next to Nadine’s mom, helping her slice up some carrots for the stew. Her hands moved fast, so fast like those chefs on TV. Mine were slower and much more careful. I didn’t want to mess up anything in her kitchen. And most importan