“She’s at book group,” Lily called.

“She said I could watch as long as I stay on the porch.

Mama, when do I get to come home?”

Nine days.

And a house I wasn’t allowed into.

“On Friday, sweetheart,” I said.

It was the first time in my life I had ever said a date out loud without knowing whether it was true.

Captain Douglas had three folders open on his desk before I’d gotten my coat off.