He coiled the heavy rubber around his forearm with trembling hands.

“The captain told us to call the cops if anybody named Carter tried to come into the kitchen,” Leo said.

“He said that family was famously difficult.”

I touched my collarbone.

The size of the lie took my breath away.

“If the wedding planner sees me talking to you, I’ll lose my job,” Leo said.

“My tuition at Belmont is due next month.

Please leave.”