Meanwhile, we can protect your household.”

Jenna touched the edge of Wesley’s blanket.

“I don’t want revenge,” she said.

“I want him to grow up without wondering whether the adults around him will listen when he needs them.”

I had expected to hear anger.

Instead, her words offered a standard for every decision we’d make next.

PART 19

We rented a small furnished duplex near Ruth’s cousin, who lived twenty minutes from the hospital.