Chapter 16 — The Real Victory

Panicked and weeping, the three of them began scrambling, grabbing whatever bags they could carry, stumbling down the long driveway toward the street.

I did not watch them go with satisfaction.

I watched them go with something closer to relief, and with one clear thought that I have held onto ever since.

The evening before, standing in my foyer with my cheek stinging, I had wanted to hit Marguerite back.

I have not pretended otherwise.