I paid three fifty in exact change for a paper cup of black coffee and found a little round table by the back windows.

The view outside was nothing but an asphalt parking lot and a row of bare oaks bracing against the October wind.

I set my cup down on the fake wood top.

My phone lay beside it, the black screen reflecting the long fluorescent tubes overhead.

I had to find out what really happened in that kitchen.

I picked up the phone and called my sister.

Vanessa picked up on the third ring.