My Granddaughter Returned a Diamond Ring at Target. The Next Morning, Her Mother’s Secret Family Came to Our Door.

Pat sat quietly while I described the photograph, the ring, and the strange assurance from the man in the black SUV.

“Has Harper asked about her mother’s family?” she said.

“She asked if she might have cousins.”

“And what did you say?”

“I said someday, maybe.”

Pat folded her hands over her cardigan.

“Then you can tell her what you know when you know it.

You don’t need to promise more than that.”