Then the detective's voice sharpened.
“Are you certain?”
“She's speaking to Mom. She says Marian is in trouble.”
“Don't open the door. Officers are being sent to your location.”
I swallowed.
Outside, Agnes sighed.
“Ruth, I know you're frightened.”
Mom covered her mouth.
Agnes continued.
“I heard what happened to Margaret. It's terrible. But I can explain why Marian's name is involved.”
I looked toward Mom.
Her eyes were filled with tears.
She had loved Agnes.
She had attended her memorial service.
She'd spent six weeks mourning someone who apparently hadn't died.
Now that same woman was standing outside our house asking to be trusted.
“Agnes,” Mom called through the door, her voice trembling, “where have you been?”
A pause.
Then Agnes answered.
“I had to disappear.”
“Why?”
“Because dangerous people were using the charity. Marian was afraid. We thought if everyone believed I was dead, they might leave me alone.”
