In the confined space, I realized how tall he was and how broad his shoulders were. The body of a brawler. “Good luck with the wedding. Call me if you need a photographer. It’ll be my gift to you and the bride.” I handed him one of my cards.

That half smile appeared again as he flicked the edge. “Will do.”

I left the station, grateful to step out in the cold air and feel the sun on my face. I fished my phone from my coat pocket and called for an Uber.

Richards meant well, but in his world, my sister’s life and death would always be reduced to a file tucked in a cabinet. Like the headlines splashing the papers thirteen years ago, they’d lose meaning, context, and finally vanish off everyone’s radar.

When the car pulled up, I settled in the back seat, watching the city pass as the driver crossed the Mayo Bridge and drove south into the Manchester district. He drove an additional three miles beyond before he pulled into a car dealership.

Out of the vehicle, I walked toward the showroom. No one cared more about this case than I did, and if I wanted to talk to the people who’d been at the New Year’s Eve party, I’d need a car to do it. Whatever phobias I might have nursed the last two months had to go.

Last year, when I first learned about the trust fund set up by my mother, I didn’t want it, especially when the lawyers told me I had inherited half of Clare’s portion in my account. It felt a bit like blood money. But I’d also learned the trust had seen me through three stints in rehab and helped me finally get on my feet. There wasn’t a huge fortune left now, but it was still a nice chunk of change, and I’d learned to be grateful for it.

Now that I was more clear eyed, I was more practical, less emotional about the money. Long story short, it made life easier and gave me the freedom to figure out what had happened to Clare.

When I picked out a black SUV and told the salesperson I wanted it, I especially enjoyed watching his skeptical look transform when he verified my bank funds. A raised brow. A second look at me as he sat straighter. I didn’t think I’d ever get tired of that expression.

I was in and out of the dealership and sitting behind the wheel of my new SUV in under an hour. It felt so different from my Jeep, the one I’d shared with Clare as teenagers and then totaled.

I gripped the wheel, and my heartbeat kicked harder when I started the engine. I’d been driving since I was fifteen and never once had been afraid.

Not once.

And now, I was.