Coral’s room is at the end of the hall.
I don’t mean to walk that way, but my feet take me there anyway. I stop in front of the closed door, my hand hovering just inches from the handle.
If I open it, her bed will still be made. Her books will still be strewn across the desk, exactly where she left them. Nothinginside that room has moved on, even if the rest of us were forced to.
I can’t bear it.
I know I’ll break down if I open that door, and I don’t have it in me to put myself back together again today. So I don’t.
I let my hand fall to my side and take a step back, breathing through the tightness in my chest.
The reminder is enough. More than enough.
Giovanni is dangerous. The same way the man in the red dress shirt was dangerous.
I won’t give my parents one more heartbreak. Not after all we’ve been through.
I sit on the edge of the couch and stare at the opposite wall until my thoughts slow enough to line up. But I can’t push Rose out of my mind any more than Coral’s memory.
If Giovanni knows something, he didn’t say it last night. That much is clear. Whether that’s because he can’t or because he won’t is still an open question.
And then there’s the deal.
Drinks. Tonight. After closing.
I don’t like it. I don’t trust it. But I can’t pretend it didn’t feel like the only solid thing offered to me in hours.
I check the time again. Still early. Too early to go to work. Too early to call hospitals without sounding unhinged.
I text Izzy instead.
I’m up. Any news?
Three dots appear almost immediately.
Nothing yet,she writes.Donald’s already panicking about tonight.
I snort softly.
Of course he is.
I hesitate, then type:Still no word from Rose.
The dots stop. Start again.
I know,Izzy replies.I’ll let you know if I hear anything. Promise.
I set the phone down and lean back, staring at the ceiling.
Then, against all hope?—
It buzzes.
ROSE:I’m fine. I’m sick. Flu or something.
Relief hits first. Fast and dizzying. My shoulders sag as if I’ve been holding them up for days instead of hours.
Then suspicion creeps in right behind it.
