“I’m not leaving him the company,” I said.

“You don’t have to surrender your rights by leaving the house for a night.”

That distinction mattered.

I packed an overnight bag with Moreno watching and left the carry-on untouched.

I took my passport, medication, laptop and a small photograph of my father holding me on his shoulders.

I did not take my wedding album.

PART 5: SIX IN THE MORNING

At 5:58 a.m., Preston woke and found a message on his phone.