THE JOURNAL The hotel was called the Wayside Inn. It was old and tired, with flickering neon signs and a parking lot full of potholes. Maya parked around the corner, out of sight. “Stay in the car,” she told Danny. “No way.” “Danny—” “I didn’t come all this way to sit in the car.” Maya … Read more
THE HIDEOUT Kaela Morgan had been missing for six days. Her cat was in a shelter. Her apartment was still sealed. Her phone was still on her kitchen table. But she was alive. Maya was sure of it. She had spent the last six days going through Kaela’s life — her social media, her emails, … Read more
THE ACCUSATION They didn’t go to the police station at eight. Instead, Maya drove to Hartford. To Rachel Bennett’s apartment. Rachel was surprised to see them, but she didn’t ask questions. She made coffee. Gave them blankets. Listened. When Maya finished, Rachel was pale. “The police think you burned down his office?” “They haven’t said … Read more
THE FIRE The call came at 3:00 AM. Maya was asleep at her kitchen table, her head on her arms, her laptop still glowing. She dreamed of bridges and dark water and a man with a gentle smile. Her phone buzzed. She grabbed it. Unknown number. She answered. “Ms. Cross? This is Fire Marshal Briggs. … Read more
THE CONFESSION Danny was waiting in the car. “Why aren’t you checking in?” she demanded. “It’s been twenty minutes.” Maya got in. Drove. Didn’t speak. “Mom. What happened?” “The device. He found it.” “Shit.” “He knew I was there. He knew the whole time.” Danny was silent. Then: “What did he say?” Maya gripped the … Read more
THE VOICES The key was still under the loose stone. Maya’s hands were shaking as she unlocked the back door of Vance’s office. The building was dark, the windows black, the only light coming from a streetlamp across the road. She slipped inside. The waiting room was the same. Beige walls. Gentle fountain. The faint … Read more
THE RECORDING Danny had bought the listening device online. It was small, no bigger than a thumbnail, with a battery that lasted seventy-two hours and a range of five hundred feet. She had practiced with it for two days, hiding it in her backpack, in her jacket, in her shoe. “Museum gift shop,” she said, … Read more
THE FIFTH WOMAN She was young. Early twenties. Blonde hair. Blue eyes. A face that looked like it had been crying recently. She arrived late, slipping into the circle without making eye contact, her arms wrapped around herself like armor. Vance didn’t acknowledge her lateness. He simply said, “Welcome, Sophie. We’re glad you’re here.” Sophie … Read more
THE TUESDAY NIGHT GROUP The Tuesday night group met in the basement of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, a few blocks from Vance’s office. Maya had learned about it from Rachel Bennett, who had learned about it from Clara. “It’s not a regular therapy session,” Rachel had said. “It’s more like a support group. People who … Read more
THE FIRST STEP Danny was waiting outside the station. She was sitting on the steps, her phone in her hand, her eyes red. “Mom.” “Baby.” They hugged. “I’m sorry,” Maya said. “You shouldn’t have seen that.” “You didn’t do anything wrong.” “I broke into someone’s apartment.” “You were trying to help.” “The police don’t see … Read more
