Her fingers missed it on the first try.

“You need to be careful what Russell is telling you.

He’ll say anything to protect himself.”

“Then tell me why he knew a little girl named Hazel was transferred to Memphis.”

Tiffany’s eyes moved toward the pantry door.

It was a tiny glance, but I had spent years reading people’s faces across negotiating tables.

She was looking for an exit.

“Hazel?” she repeated, too slowly.

“Don’t pretend you’ve never heard that name.”

She straightened.

“You cannot know those children are yours.”

“I didn’t say they were mine.”

That was the first thing she hadn’t meant to tell me.

Her phone buzzed on the counter.