After driving past, I circled the block and, cutting my lights, parked at the end of Brit’s street and nestled low in the car. With the heater off, the air chilled quickly, forcing me to huddle deeper into my coat.

As I tipped back against the headrest and closed my eyes, I drifted back to the night of the accident, navigating the shadows shrouding it.

I sank deeper into myself and imagined moving through the darkness, hoping I’d spot a memory that would light up a portion of my path. I reached for the steering wheel, gripped it as I pretended the car was moving down the street toward the utility pole. There would’ve been a hard strike when the car impacted. My body, untethered by a seat belt, would’ve jolted forward as the airbag deployed. I’d nearly hit the steering wheel with my head, but the airbag had violently shoved me back.

These were the facts I’d read in the report. None were supported by memories. There was nothing.

Jeff. Who are you?

Suddenly, I pictured a man standing at a bar with two sodas. He laughed at something the bartender said. It was a rich, infectious sound. And then he began to turn toward me.

My eyes popped open. Like kindling trying to catch fire in a strong wind, the flames went out. Damn.

I looked up to see David leaving Brit’s house. My sister stood by the front picture window, wearing a black silk robe cinched at her waist. She was waving. Smiling as she pushed back sex-tousled hair.

David got in his car, started the engine, and backed out of the driveway. Brit watched and then turned as his car passed mine. I dipped low in the seat, looking down, fearing just my stare would draw his attention.

When he passed me, I started my car but didn’t turn on the headlights as I shifted the gear to drive and moved forward slowly. There was only one way out of the neighborhood, so I didn’t have to guess his direction. My headlights still out, I followed as he rounded the corner. Red taillights blinked at a stop sign, and he turned onto Cary Street.

Turning on my lights, I followed, careful to keep enough distance. There were some people on the road this time of night, but not enough to give me real cover.

David continued onto the interstate and headed east. As I trailed behind him, I watched as he made his way around the city and then took the final exit toward the lighted buildings of the financial district. This was also the exit I took when coming back from Brit’s.