Everything else must be investigated.”

That was difficult advice to follow.

It was also right.

Meanwhile Brenda’s mother, Elaine, called me several times.

I had met her at family dinners, and she had always seemed warm toward Hailey.

“Brenda says you won’t let her come home,” Elaine said.

“Hailey isn’t going to be around Brenda right now.”

“She’s devastated.