Then me.
I squeezed his hand.
“We’re learning the difference between love and making decisions for people.”
Mom raised one eyebrow.
“Good.”
Liam sighed.
“Could we have one family crisis where nobody enjoys my personal growth?”
“No,” Mom and I answered together.
For one brief moment, we laughed.
It hurt my ribs.
It also felt wonderful.
Then my mother noticed Evelyn.
The laughter died.
“Hello, Margaret,” Evelyn said.
My mother’s entire body stiffened.
“What are you doing here?”
I looked between them.
“You know her.”
Mom did not answer.
“Mom.”
She slowly removed her raincoat.
“Yes.”
“How well?”
My mother sat in the chair beside me.
“Well enough to know that if Evelyn Shaw appears after midnight, Arthur’s secrets have finally outrun him.”
Evelyn looked tired.
“Margaret.”
“No.”
My mother’s voice remained calm.
“You had nine years.”
“To do what?”
“To tell them.”
“I made a promise.”
