The pervasive chlorine smell and humidity of the enclosed swimming pool almost made Candace believe that everything was going to be okay. That her conscience would finally be clean once she told the truth. Over the years, she had spent many hours sitting on bleachers next to pools. Candace was a good swimmer, but her sister, Chrissy, was amazing. Candace had gone to most of her kid sister’s meets, even after Candace had gone away to college. Chrissy had won so many championships in high school and was now swimming for the University of South Carolina.

She’d almost called Chrissy today, now that she’d finally made her decision, but what would she say?

“I’m not the good sister you thought I was.”

Candace would rather tell her after she better understood what was going to happen. Such a conversation would be better in person, face-to-face. She would ask for Chrissy’s forgiveness, for her love, for her support. And in her heart, she believed Chrissy would give it. Because that’s who she was.

She heard the door to the aquatic center open, a faint echo in the cavernous hall.

Candace watched a shadowy figure walk toward her. For a split second, she was frightened, then as the figure came closer and started up the few stairs to her level, Candace breathed easier.

Taylor.

“Hey,” Candace said quietly.

Taylor James stopped about ten feet away, sat down on the bench, glanced at her, then looked out at the pool. “Where have you been?”

“Looking for the evidence,” said Candace. “I can’t get to it. The only option now is going to the police. They have the tools and resources to find her body.”

“That’s what you were doing? I thought you were just saying that. I didn’t think you would actually go up there. Oh, God...Candace. That’s...shit.”

“It’s the right thing to do.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Candace said. “It’s the only way I can live with myself. I thought you agreed with me.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Taylor said.

“Yes, I do. We do. Remember? We agreed that it was for the best.” This afternoon, only hours ago, Candace had talked to Taylor. “Remember?” she repeated, now becoming confused. She’d been alone all week; maybe she had heard wrong.

You heard right. Someone talked Taylor out of going to the police. Taylor has always changed her mind based on the last person who talked to her.

“What happened?” Candace demanded. “Have you changed your mind? Please...Taylor...together we’re stronger. You know that.”

Taylor wouldn’t look at her. Then her old friend got up and walked back the way she’d come.

Candace jumped up and ran after her, tripping down the bleachers stairs but then catching herself. “Taylor, stop! Listen to me for a change.”

Her voice echoed and Taylor kept walking toward the locker room.

Candace followed.