“It wouldn’t have done any good. It’s called double jeopardy. He can’t be tried again for the same offense. It’s in the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. ‘Nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.’ The concept was of such importance to the founding fathers that they actually made an amendment to the Constitution for it. But that’s in a court of law. In our hearts, there’s no such thing. People punish others over and over for the same mistake. We do it to ourselves. It’s not right, but still we do it.”

I felt like he was reading my mind. He watched me silently. “Elise, you’re not as bad as you think you are. Remember that.”

When I could speak I said, “So the man was never punished.”

“Actually, his case turned out a little differently. Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t leave well enough alone. He wrote a letter to the prosecutor’s office, bragging that he’d gotten away with murder and stating very specific details of his crime. We reopened the case based on new evidence, and he was found guilty.”

“Fool,” I said.

“Yes, he was.” Nicholas changed the subject. “So the Hitesmans are very excited that you will be joining us for Thanksgiving. Do you still want to bake those pies?”

“Yes,” I said. “Except the mincemeat.”

“I’ve already ordered it. When will you bake the others?”

“Wednesday night after work.”

“Would you like some help?” he asked.

“Making pies?”

“I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ll keep you company.”

“I would love your help,” I said. “And your company.”

“Great. I’ll be there. I’ll bring dinner.”

That night as I lay in bed remembering our date, I had a frightening realization. My feelings for Nicholas were growing bigger than the contract I’d signed. I wondered if he felt the same way. Not that it mattered. In spite of everything Nicholas had said about forgiveness and redemption, I knew there was no chance we could ever be more than friends. Not if he knew the truth about me. Not if he knew what I’d done. Not if he knew my darkness.

Chapter Eleven

CHAPTER

Eleven

Oftentimes, the hottest fires of hell are fueled from within.

Elise Dutton’s Diary

FIVE YEARS EARLIER

June 2007 was hot. The whole world was hot. Greece reported their worst heat wave in history with eleven heat-related deaths, and the entire European power grid nearly collapsed beneath unprecedented demand for air-conditioning.