Carolyn answered at 4:22.
She was awake. She’s always awake. She runs at four-thirty every morning.
Morgan — Understood. Drafting now. I’ll coordinate with Currituck County. They offer off-duty deputies for civil standbys. Should be there by 5:00. You’re doing this exactly right. — C.
Dana answered at 4:31.
Booked. Pelican Bay Family Resort, Kill Devil Hills. Two adjoining suites, ocean view. Waterpark, kids’ club, breakfast buffet starting at 6. Shuttle confirmed through Coastal Concierge. They’ll be there at 5:00. Are you okay? — D.
I typed back.
I’m okay. Thank you, Dana.
By 4:45, everything was confirmed.
I closed my laptop.
I looked at my mother’s phone.
Face-down on the counter. Next to the empty Château Margaux.
I thought about her face last night. Smiling at the screen. Turning it over when she saw me watching.
I didn’t pick it up.
I want to be clear about that.
I didn’t pick it up.
