She had once watched me practice for a job interview for so long that I could recite my resume in my sleep.

“Before I say anything,” she told me, “I need you to know I didn’t believe it.”

I had barely slept and had no strength for riddles.

“Believe what?”

“Lucas told people you left because your father doesn’t like Agnes.

He said you had a minor argument about dinner, took Paisley, and wouldn’t let him see her.”

My hands went cold.

“He hasn’t asked to see her.