She found Greg cradling a cappuccino at the far corner of the diner. His hair was shorter than it had been three years earlier, the wrinkles beneath his eyes thicker. He still had his winsome smile, though. That would stay with him to the grave.

Thanks for coming, he said as she sat down across from him. Pardon me for saying so, but you look like shit.

The cushions squeaked as Harley made herself comfortable. Well, I lost my husband and potentially my job in the past few days, so its been a rough week.

Gregs eyebrows rose. Rob left you? Im so sorry to hear that, sis. He seemed like a great guy.

She nodded, thinking that Rob had indeed been a good guybut apparently not the right guy. He would find someone ready to settle down, and she…well, she always had her job to fall back on, didnt she?

Not if Pope has his way, she thought darkly.

Its good to see you, Greg, she said. I miss how we used to be friends.

He dropped his gaze to the table. I guess I feel partially responsible for that.

She immediately regretted her comment. Dont beat yourself up, Greg. Youre a great brother.

I wasnt really there for you, not when it really counted. After Kelly went missing…

It occurred to Harley in a flash of insight that she understood why she and Greg had stopped being close. Part of it was his inability to grapple with his grief, sure, but it was also his inability to protect her. For years, he had protected both her and Kelly: from their parents arguments, from the neighborhood mastiff that sometimes got loose, from the boys at school who got a little too familiar a little too quickly. Harley had believed he could protect her from anything.

Kellys disappearance, however, had shattered that illusion, and now she saw him for what he truly was: a well-intentioned older brother who could never fill the void her father had left in her life.

The silence smothered them like a shroud. Even after all these years, the mere mention of their sister was enough to kill the conversation. Anything worth saying, it seemed, had been said years ago.

The waitress arrived. Harley ordered whole wheat toast and a cup of coffee. After the waitress left, Harley leaned back, worrying her lip.

He doesnt know Im here, does he? she asked.

Greg stared out the window, his forehead creasing. Hes…fragile, Harley. Not just his body, but his mind. Hearing youre here to see him… He shook his head. Theres no telling how he might react.

Im starting to feel like youre the only one happy I came. If he doesnt want to see me, whats the point?

Greg reached across the table and took her hand. Its not that. Hes just differentbalanced on the edge of a knife, you might say. I think its better if you just show up.