When Connor called that night, I asked him not to come home until we had spoken with lawyers about our temporary arrangements.

He whispered my name and said he was sorry.

“I need more than a word,” I told him.

“I need a complete account.

And I need the truth even when it doesn’t make you look good.”

He promised he would give me one.

I had heard too many promises to treat that as an answer.

PART 10: The Night the Board Met