I didn’t read the second page.”

I stared at the empty spot on the counter where his chrome toaster used to sit.

For five seconds, a small, foolish part of my chest loosened, wanting to believe that the man I had lived with for seven years was only weak instead of cruel.

“If you come back today and talk to Officer Marcus, I’ll listen to what you have to say,” I said quietly.

“I will,” Derek promised, shouting over a sudden gust of wind on his end.