In the next photograph, Daniel rode alone.

I stared at those pictures for a long time.

Thomas had understood something I had forgotten: eventually the helping hand has to let go.

PART 7

Daniel agreed to meet me at a diner in Millburn on December twenty-eighth.

I chose it because it was public, quiet in the midmorning, and close to Ruth’s house.

I did not bring the ledger to wave in his face.

I brought a small notebook with three questions written inside: Was he sorry?