I can cut the tether, leave the past to disappear into the vast darkness of space.

I can tell another story.

SATURDAY // SEPTEMBER 9 // DAY 365

71.

My stomach clenches in fear as I walk into the interrogation room again. Vera has struck a deal with the DA: In exchange for my testimony and cooperation, I won’t be charged.

The camera’s aimed at me and it feels eerily familiar, with Detective Ward across the table, Vera on my left. The red light blinks, but this time I’m not holding my breath, waiting for a bomb to detonate.

Tell me something true, Jack used to say to me, and it was one of my favorite things about him. Remembering it now grounds me, holds me up.

Here, for the last time, is the truth in all its awful entirety.

The truth about the night Jack died, the truth about everything leading up to that night and everything after it.

“State your name, please,” Detective Ward says. The room doesn’t feel like it’s closing in—the light isn’t too bright, and I’m not struggling to breathe. For once, the room is just a room.

“My name is Katherine Remy Tsai, but everyone calls me Remy,” I say.

“Okay, Remy,” Detective Ward says. “Can you tell me what happened?”

I nod.

“Go ahead,” she says, her voice gentle.

I take a deep breath and begin again.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am so grateful to everyone who helped make my wildest dreams a reality.

To my agent, Kerry Sparks, who read the very first draft and believed in Remy’s story from the start. You are a tireless champion, and I am so lucky to have you in my corner.

To my editor and fellow Batman aficionado, Liesa Abrams: I knew I was in good hands from our first phone call. Thank you for sharing my vision and for your faith that we would get there. This book truly wouldn’t be the same without you. Special thanks, also, to Jessi Smith, whose perceptive insights helped strengthen this story.

To Mara Anastas and the entire S&S team: Thank you so much for all you do. I know it takes a village, and this book was raised by the very best one.

This story has also benefited from the advice of so many, but particularly Natasha Razi, Shannon O’Guin, and RuthAnne Snow.

I’ve been fortunate to have many wonderful teachers and mentors, but two stand out: Liz Van Doren and Jane O’Connor. Thank you for teaching me so much about books and life.

To friends near and far who always lift me up: Amanda Yao, D.S., Katarzyna Pie˛kos´, Amy Oliver, Jean Mone, A.C. Leath, Kristin Lambert, Jennifer Fan, Alysia Campbell, Beth Branch, Anna Birch, and Tia Bearden. Jen, Anna, and Kristin also read drafts at various stages, and their enthusiasm was invaluable.

To my parents, who fretted over my decision to major in English but let me do it anyway—thank you for keeping the faith. And of course, shout-out to my brother, Tyler, who has always been proud of me. I’m proud of you, too.