They were the wrong words, but Imani couldn’t fathom the right ones. Etiquette demanded that she say how sorry she was for their loss and invite them inside. Fear, however, urged her to walk back her subtle confirmation that Ava was even in her house. For all Imani knew, this nice older pair were opportunists seeking a chance to nab the child of a famous couple who could then be auctioned off in some sick, underground sex market. Her best friend was missing, and that friend’s husband had been shot in the face, in a brownstone fortress located in one of New York’s wealthiest neighborhoods. Nothing made sense anymore.

“We’ve come from Tennessee for our granddaughter.” Bill stood straighter as he made his announcement, adding another inch to his already-imposing figure.

Nate had indeed hailed from Tennessee. But his birth state was the kind of celebrity trivia that could be verified via Google. Anyone willing to research for a few minutes would know it.

Imani nodded, still wrestling with the idea of welcoming them in. She needed to keep Ava safe. But what harm did she really expect from a seventy-something man and woman when her husband was in the house? Bill was a big guy, but Philip was a fit, decades-younger former marine.

“I-I’m sorry. It’s only that we’ve never met,” Imani said, stumbling over her words. “And I’m so sorry for your loss—”

“I understand.” Bill stepped forward. “But—”

“And with the case being so publicized and Nate’s fame,” Imani added, unable to cut off the stream of excuses, “I’m only trying to do what Melissa would want. She’s my best friend.”

Nancy grasped her husband’s arm, either holding him back or holding on for support. “And we’re Ava’s grandparents. We need to see—”

“Ava!”

Jay’s voice echoed behind them. At some point during Imani’s babbling, her boy had possessed the good sense to call for the one person able to verify their visitors’ identities.

“I think your grandparents might be here,” he shouted.

Bill took another step forward. Imani moved left in response, positioning herself in front of him. She grasped the door edge, ready to slam it at the slightest sign of confusion on Ava’s face.

Philip approached with Ava a step behind. Seeing her husband relaxed Imani. If these people weren’t who they said, Philip would get rid of them without a problem.

“Nana?”

Imani rotated, enabling Ava to better see their would-be guests.

“Pop!”

Ava picked up her pace, spurring Imani to relinquish her hold on the door’s edge. “Please come in,” she said, stepping back.

Nancy and Bill didn’t seem to appreciate her belated hospitality. Ava’s grandma extended her arms without entering the house, calling Ava into the cold despite the girl’s socked feet and thin school sweatshirt.