“They had you on so much medication that week.”
Pike’s eyes closed.
It was only for a second.
But I saw it.
So did Loretta, from the doorway.
So did every woman on that porch.
“Medication,” Loretta repeated slowly.
“Funny thing to know about a woman you say you never visited.”
No one spoke.
The Christmas lights blinked red, then green.
Emily looked at me.
For the first time in fourteen months, we were thinking exactly the same thing.
She mouthed it so softly that only I could read it.
Count the pages.
I turned to Pike.
He had already closed the folder, and his thumb pressed hard on the cover, as if he could keep what was inside from breathing.
“Nine o’clock,” I said.
“Bring your pen, Ashley.”
PART 4
Pam Whitley came out of the kitchen at ten o’clock that night with a spiral notebook held against her chest.
