First the threat, then the sweetness. His hand in mine pulled me back to memories of the countless nights we had leaned on each other in our tiny rented room.
My fingers clenched around the suit until my knuckles turned white. My voice was hoarse when I whispered, “I understand.”
I didn’t care about his promises. I only thought that maybe tonight I would find a clue—some piece of the truth buried five years ago.
Soon, night fell.
I stepped into the party hall, glittering with crystal lights. Before I even reached the table, whispers began to cut at my ears.
“Dang. Arizona is so shameless. Her child died under her care, and she’s still living under Dr. Cohen’s house.”
“Dr. Shanahan is so kind. If it were anyone else, they would have kicked that cursed woman out long ago.”
My chest tightened, but I forced my steps forward.
At the head table sat Charlton and Mariam, side by side. He listened to the harsh gossip without denying a word.
Mariam's lips curved slightly; she sipped her red wine at leisure, her laugh clear. “Dr. Crumpler has nothing after leaving prison. If she were on her own, she’d probably starve. Fortunately, I’m softhearted. I took pity and kept her on as a nanny.”