“She’s resting in Dad’s guest room,” I said.

“The hall lamps are on.”

Mary stepped out onto the porch and laid both hands flat on her knees as she leaned against the wooden railing.

She dug deep into her cardigan pocket and drew out a long blue paper envelope, folded twice down the middle.

“Sadie tucked this into her boot just before he locked the deadbolt,” Mary whispered, glancing across the street at the dark windows of my father’s house.

My chest went tight as I looked down at the paper.