Mark had the laptop bag at his feet and a large manila envelope tucked under his arm.
I knew better than to ask what was inside.
Whatever it was, he had prepared it with the same terrifying calm he’d worn since Thursday.
Brenda opened the door in a pressed blouse and lipstick, smelling like perfume and rosemary.
The dining room table was already set for the whole family.
Her roast beef sat on the counter, filling the house with the kind of comforting smell that usually means safety.
That night it just made me nauseous.
She leaned down to kiss Lily’s head, then looked at Leo and smiled with ugly satisfaction.
“There,” she said.
“Isn’t that much neater?”
Leo moved behind Mark so fast it barely looked conscious.
Mark put a hand back without turning around and rested it against Leo’s leg.
“We’re not doing that tonight, Mom,” he said.
