“I’m a great cook, actually.”

“Like a date?”

“Yes, like a date.”

“Isn’t this kind of unprofessional?” I asked. But I could feel myself smiling.

“That’s why I said next week. When the case is officially closed. Just say yes.”

“Okay. You can cook me dinner.”

“Good. I’ll call you.”

I walked him to the door and he took my hand again and kissed me on the cheek. I watched him go down the steps and get in his car. He waved and drove away.

After he left I undressed for a hot bath. I tried to imagine what it would be like to date a cop. I gave up on that idea because it was too strange and thought instead about his lips against my cheek.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

It was late when I woke up, well into the afternoon. I had been drifting in and out of a dream full of dead people, Danielle and Brandon and my mom. In the dream I was dead, too. I didn’t mind it. It was safe, quiet. I woke to sirens singing on the nearby freeway and an image in my head, the untied lace of Brandon’s shoe. I thought I could smell the air in his house, too full of him, his body turning into particles you could breathe.

I tried to sort out my thoughts: Brandon killed Danielle. The conspiracy I had imagined with Sally and the money, none of that was real. Danielle got killed because Brandon lost his temper. I still couldn’t imagine it, but like Ash had said, I didn’t really know the guy. I thought of him saying I didn’t belong with Danielle’s friends, that I deserved better. I liked how concerned he was about me—it was nice, knowing somebody cared, was paying attention. But I recalled Audrey’s face as she drove away and left me on the sidewalk in front of Brandon’s house. I hoped she was okay. I made coffee and texted her again, then went for a run.

I picked up a sandwich and took it home, showered, ate. Even though I was worried about Audrey, I felt better than I had since I found out Danielle was dead. It was relief, I realized. I was glad the whole thing was resolved. And maybe I was looking forward to seeing Ash next week. I wondered when he’d call.

A knock came at the door. I opened it to Audrey, standing on the stoop. She looked terrible, like she hadn’t slept, like she’d been crying since I saw her last.

“Hi,” I said.

“Please,” she said. “Can I come in?” Her voice shifted and cracked.

I nodded, stepped back for her to enter. She embraced me, clung to me. Her breath on my neck made me shiver.

“What happened to you?” I said.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t, I didn’t, I’m sorry . . .” She was a mess.

“Come sit down,” I said.

She wouldn’t let go of me, she clutched my arm as I walked her to the couch.