Rachel appeared in the bedroom doorway, holding my heavy winter coat.

“The car is warmed up in the driveway, Loretta.

David has the cashier’s check locked in his briefcase.”

“Thank you, Rachel,” I said.

I walked down the hallway toward the front door.

Mark stood by the open door with his arms folded tight across his chest.

He didn’t step forward, and he didn’t raise his eyes as I approached.

“Goodbye, Mark,” I said as I walked past him onto the porch.