Madeline had written it years before Gavin grabbed my wrist, yet it spoke directly to the decision I was making now.

PART 14

Brenda called the following morning.

Her number had been blocked from my phone, so she reached Samantha’s office and asked that a message be passed along.

Samantha read it to me without commentary.

Brenda wanted to know why Patricia was suddenly “interfering” with family matters.

She also wanted her bathrobe back, though it was mine in the first place.

I laughed despite myself.