“What I mean is, why us? Out of all the houses on the street, why ours? And why do you need such a specific amount? Why by seven? I don’t understand.”

Finally. Three hours into this train wreck, and Jade is finally asking all the right questions. I wonder what took her so long. Did she just now work up the gumption? Did she finally piece together that nothing about today is random? I’m guessing a lot came from the clues she overheard in the kitchen, but still. I was expecting these questions hours ago.

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.”

“But you must have some kind of theory, or maybe a couple, and I want to know what they are. Why do you think I chose this happy little home? What do you think is happening here?”

“I think you’re a parent.” She looks as surprised as I am that she said those words out loud, then her expression doubles down. “Or maybe not a parent, but I think there’s someone who relies on you to care for them, someone you love very much.”

“Because of the phone call?”

Jade nods.

I think back through the conversation downstairs, but I was careful to be vague. I didn’t say a word that could lead back to Gigi. I’m positive I didn’t mention her by name.

“I didn’t say anything about a kid.”

“No, but you called somebody pumpkin, and you seemed...”

“What?”

She shrugs. “Worried.”

I shake my head. “Stop trying to change the subject. This has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with Cam.”

With him having to live out the rest of his miserable days with what he’s done. With knowing that whatever happens today, however this ends, it’s all his fault. With knowing he was helpless to prevent tragedy.

“What, did he fire you once upon a time? Did he run you out of business? Is this about revenge?”

“This isn’t about revenge,” I say, though that’s not totally true. It’s in part about revenge, but mostly it’s about getting what I deserve. The money Cam cheated me out of two years ago plus interest, the resulting hole in my income that meant I lost my home and my savings and health care, all the medical treatments that I couldn’t pay as a result. For the way Gigi got weaker, scrawnier, sicker. Just thinking about it burns like the skin on my back, where Jade split me open like a hog. “This is about justice. About me getting what I deserve. What I am owed.”

“Owed to you by Cam.”

By Cam, by God, by the universe. Take your pick. Nothing about these past two years has felt fair. I’m not leaving here today without taking back what’s rightfully mine.