David says, “She uses art to heal. That’s all it is. And she likes that park. She says she feels free there. She misses Mary.”

I stare at the evidence still projected on the screen in front of the auditorium. She’s screwed.

I’m so glad our daughter had that little taste of freedom with her visits to the park. I stand up and smile at David. “Of course. That’s all it is.”

40

6:45 p.m.

Rosemary and David Sr. push past us out of the aisle, patting David on the arm.

I know they’re heading Betsy’s way, toward the front of the auditorium, despite the instructions to “meet our graduate in the quad.” The rules don’t apply to them, they’re rich and old. Entitlement in action.

Beside me, David is lost. Now I know what the word crestfallen looks like. He’s checking his phone again. He’s looking for voice mails, texts, an email, anything from Kylie: his dearly departed. He lets out a big sigh as crowds of people push past us to exit the auditorium. The graduates are exiting through Bo’s door. How convenient for him. He’s there, ready to scoop Betsy into his arms. Poor Bo. He doesn’t understand what is in store for Betsy. Her award-winning painting is just the final gift to all of us.

“Should we go find Betsy?” David sounds like he needs a drink, his voice is scratchy with stress. I have a water bottle in my purse. But it’s all mine.

I can’t keep the secret to myself any longer. I turn to him, lean close to his ear and whisper, “Kylie’s gone!”

His eyes pop open. It’s funny, actually, the look on his face. A mixture of anguish and anger: Anguisher?

“What have you done?”

I created a new word. I smile. “What do you mean? What have I done?”

David grabs my wrist. It’s a subtle power move, the move of a weenie. “I demand an answer. If you hurt her I swear I’ll... Just tell me.”

“The question is, what have you done? You’re the last one who saw her, right?” I take a step toward the exit and he grabs the fleshy part of my arm above the elbow: The place where all bad guy actors in the movies grab the weak actress before they do something awful to her. He’s no villain, though. And I’m no damsel in distress. I jerk my arm away. He grabs it again.

“I’m serious, Jane. Where is she?”

“How would I know where your lover is, darling?” I smile and tilt my head, and give him my best Kylie impersonation. “All I know is she’s no longer going to be bothering me!”