I pushed open the door.

Chapter 3 — The Gift

The room went silent. Sydney sat on a cream sofa in a silk robe, one hand resting over her stomach. Jason stood beside the fireplace with his tie loosened and a drink in his hand.

Mom occupied a nearby armchair. Dad stood at the wet bar, still holding the bottle he’d used to refill their glasses. For several seconds, nobody moved.

Rainwater dripped from my coat onto Sydney’s pale rug.

Jason recovered first. “Meline.”

I raised my phone. The red recording symbol was still visible. His expression changed. “How long have you been standing there?”