I looked toward the estate one final time.

The decision to leave did not arrive with a rush of forgiveness.

I forgave no one.

It arrived with an understanding that revenge would take me away from the one person who needed me most.

“I’m coming,” I told Dr.

Miller.

I went back to my truck.

Before I started the engine, I called the county sheriff’s department and asked to speak with Deputy Warden, the officer I had met at the bus stop.