But the streets were still flooded in places, reflecting broken strips of morning light.
Dr. Brooks stopped near the car.
“You’ll be staying with your sister?”
“For now.”
“Good.”
I looked at him.
“Thank you.”
He shook his head. “You don’t owe me thanks for doing my job.”
“It wasn’t just your job.”
His eyes softened.
“No. It wasn’t.”
For a second, the world held still.
Then Lily sneezed.
Rachel gasped like it was a national event.
“Oh my God, she’s perfect.”
The moment broke, and I was grateful. I didn’t have room for anything complicated. Not yet.
But as Dr. Brooks stepped back, he said quietly, “Emily wanted me to tell you something.”
“What?”
“She found one more file.”
My stomach tightened.
“What kind of file?”
His expression darkened.
“A life insurance policy.”
The air changed.
“Michael took one out on you eight months ago.”
Rachel went completely still beside me.
I stared at him.
