“Everyone can get help here,” she told me.

PART 14: Brenda Comes to Explain

Brenda requested a visit through Gabriel.

At first I refused.

Then Piper asked whether Grandma was angry with her, and I decided I needed to understand what Brenda intended to say before any future contact was discussed.

We met in Naomi’s office, not at Lena’s house.

Brenda arrived wearing a pale suit and carrying a small gift bag.

She said she had brought Piper a dress.