Rosie’s mouth bloomed into the widest smile I had ever seen on her face.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, you may.”
Steven took her hand like it was made of glass. They moved to the center of the floor, and the DJ slid into something slow and sweet.
I watched them turn. One-two-three, turn. Just like she had practiced in the kitchen.
A few girls near the punch bowl clapped softly. A teacher dabbed at her eyes. For a fleeting moment, I felt hopeful. I sat down at the empty table beside me, finally exhaling.
I should have just hung it up, but when I lifted it, something was peeking out of the pocket.
That was when Steven’s jacket slipped from the back of the chair next to mine. I had seen him drape it there before walking over to my daughter.
I bent automatically to lift it from the floor. My fingers brushed something hard inside the inner pocket.
I should have just hung it up, but when I lifted it, something was peeking out of the pocket. I slipped my hand inside and found a small flash drive, a folded stack of printed photographs, and a sealed red envelope with three words written across it in black marker.
AFTER THEY LAUGH.
My breath stopped somewhere behind my ribs.
“Stay quiet for your daughter’s sake.”
