He wanted to know why I had kept the lighter after so many years.

And he asked whether I still had the old papers.”

“Why would he ask now?”

“I didn’t know then.” Frank touched my hand.

“I’m beginning to think his fear today wasn’t only about the past.”

PART 6

The next morning I learned what the Sterlings had planned while I was giving birth.

Elena brought an attorney’s name, a domestic violence support organization’s contact information, and a notepad.