There’s an explanation—there has to be. Somebody knows where the drugs are. But neither Alex nor Chase has spoken of them since I got back. Alex must have told Chase I was lying about the whole thing, that the tin isn’t real, that I’m making everything up. But why would I lie? Recently she seems distracted, or at least so involved with her work that she’s not really here. Other times, I think she sees me as one of her cases, one of the people she has to fix. Just another burden. I know she’s trying to make me feel at home, but I feel weirdly ignored and smothered at the same time.

I hear a noise behind me and turn abruptly to see Chase folding laundry.

“Oh, hi,” I say. “How long was I asleep?”

“An hour or so. You were making weird noises.”

“I was?” I move hair from my face, which feels sweaty.

He pairs socks and doesn’t comment. He’s keeping his distance, staying busy.

“Where’s Alex?” I ask, starting to work toward standing.

“At work. Maybe you should lie back down.”

Complete bed rest is what I’ve been told. He’s right, but I roll my eyes anyway. It’s raining outside, a hard end-of-summer rain, and heat is rising up from the asphalt. I can smell it from the open window. As I settle back onto the couch, my phone buzzes and I dig for it in the cushions. Oh God, is it Eli? My heart is pounding as I open the message.

Give me back the tin, Ruth, and we’re square. I don’t mean any harm. I’m in town for a few more days.

Twice I read it, three times, my heart returning to a steady beat.

I expected him to be even more upset—that’s his way. Short-tempered, gathering speed, his rage driving like an engine until he lashes out, like he did the night before I left him. But this text feels different. It’s oddly civil. It’s so foreign, it’s unnerving.

I stare at the screen for a while, unsure how to respond.

Can we meet tomorrow? I type. I can explain. I want to sort everything out.

It’s mere seconds before the phone vibrates. Bus depot, 10 a.m., he writes. Don’t bring your sister. She’s a fucking psycho.

One hand goes right to my stomach. What? He met Alex? My head begins to swirl.

You came here? I text.

Again, a response within seconds. Yeah. Your sis is fucking nuts.