In the end, the sheriff declared the death an accident and called the funeral director on the mainland, who came and toted the body away. When the sheriff and body were clear of the island, Jake called a local man to drive Mrs. Manchester and her children home.

It was close to three in the afternoon when the sheriff was gone and the body was cleared away. Jake told Edna he was going to take Ruth and Talley into Kitty Hawk for a soda and maybe an ice cream. She readily agreed and was relieved to see the three drive off.

Edna walked across the hot sand to Carlotta’s cottage and found her sitting on the sleeping porch having a smoke and a whiskey. She’d used makeup to cover the bruise on her face, but it would darken before it faded.

“The sheriff is gone,” Edna said.

“Is that so?” She stamped out her cigarette.

“No need to worry about Manchester anymore.”

“I was never worried about him,” Carlotta said, rising. “I’ve crossed paths with many Manchesters before.”

“I think it’s best you leave,” Edna said. “The sheriff isn’t looking too close, but your bruises will bring up questions.”

“I’m already packed. So are Max and April. He’s pulling the car around. I was just waiting for you and Ruth.”

Edna stared at the young woman whose presence reminded her too much of the boy she’d foolishly loved in a time that was nearly forgotten. “Jake took Ruth and Talley into Kitty Hawk. I thought it best she not be here when you left.”

Carlotta frowned. “I would have liked to see her. Does she know the truth?”

“What truth?” Edna willed tears away.

“About Ann.”

“What about her?” To the end, Edna would protect her children whether they wanted it or not.

“Ruth looks like Grandfather Jenkins,” Carlotta said. “I know you didn’t pass those looks on to the girl, and neither did I.”

Edna felt her skin flush. “Ruth knows I found her in a pink blanket. She knows Jake and I love her. That’s all that matters.”

“She asked me if I was that lady, the woman who left her. I told her no, but I’m not sure she believes me.”

“If she asks, I’ll assure her you are not.”

“And she’ll believe you?”

“Of course.”

“She’s young, Edna,” Carlotta said. “One day she’s going to press for answers.”

“Answers don’t fix everything. Sometimes things are the way they are, and all you can do is get on with your life.”

“Is that how you felt after Ann and I were born?”