I dial again. It rings and rings, and then Sarah’s voicemail picks up. “Hey, Sarah. It’s me—Adam. I’ve been thinking about you. I miss you. Please call me. I love you… Sarah…” I trail off and just hang up the phone.

I’m not sure why she’s too busy to return a call to me. I called her earlier too, and she didn’t pick up. I know things got weird on Friday night, but I thought we had a sweet moment. I thought we were making progress. I haven’t touched the box of evidence she brought over. I still think someone from Kelly’s past has to be responsible for her murder. If someone murdered the person I love, I would never let it go, ever. I would wait until I had an opportunity to get them back, even if it took years or my whole life. I truly believe Greg’s brother has done that. It’s the only explanation.

Then again, it could be Scott too. I need to speak with him again and really get a feel for him. He caught me off guard last time, but this time I’d be ready. I should see if I can get him to come to the house. Maybe have Sarah here too so she can get a read on him. That’s always been her gift—reading people; however, she failed to do so all this time when I was seeing Kelly. She may have lost her touch.

And then there’s that photo. Who could have seen us? Was it Scott? Or maybe someone close to him?

The front door opens and closes. Heels click along the floor and in walks Mom dressed in a long black peacoat and heels. She sets two bags of groceries on the kitchen table.

“Why is it so dark in here?” she asks immediately walking around ripping open all the curtains, letting a flood of beaming light in.

I squint and rub my eyes, standing from the couch. “Jesus, Mom.”

“You can’t live in a cave.” She walks back to the kitchen and begins unpacking the bags.

I slide the list of phone numbers into a pile and follow her into the kitchen. I don’t want to explain Rebecca or my side investigation. She’ll ask a million questions and insist on helping.

“What have you been up to today?” Mom asks.

“I was just doing some work. What did you get?”

“Just some treats for you—Lunchables, string cheese, Gushers, Go-Gurt. All your favorite childhood snacks.” She smiles at me.

“I got some good news today.”

She stops what she’s doing. Her eyes light up. “They’re dropping the charges? They found the real murderer?” Mom’s nearly jumping up and down.

“No, Mom. My agent is working on a book deal for me.”