“Yes.”
Charles’s expression changed.
Lucas had installed cameras outside after we had a package stolen two years earlier.
I had forgotten about them.
My father hadn’t.
He glanced toward the driveway.
“Those cameras aren’t working.”
I stared at him.
“How do you know?”
He said nothing.
Officer Ramirez noticed.
“Sir, step outside.”
Charles hesitated.
Then he followed her instructions.
Courtney went after him.
The younger officer remained near me.
“Ma’am, the ambulance crew will be here shortly. Is there anything you need from inside?”
I looked toward the house.
Everything Lucas and I had built together was inside.
Our photographs.
His books.
His watch.
The blue blanket he always complained was too warm.
The nursery we had spent months preparing.
And somewhere inside that house was a secret Lucas had apparently been preparing for.
“No,” I whispered.
