Derek isn’t in it. That wasn’t malice. It was accuracy.

Third, Tom drafted three formal revocations of permission to occupy, terminating their status as guests.

Fourth, a binding repayment agreement for the $12,300.

“People who leave because of their own choices can’t play victim afterward,” Tom said, sealing it into a pale yellow folder. When I told him Melissa had called my mother the maid, he took off his reading glasses.

“Technically she was half right. You’re going to be extremely helpful tonight.”

From the parking lot I worked the rest of the list. I called my mother’s clinic and removed Derek from her emergency contacts. Then the receptionist asked a question that stopped my breath.