Rain began shortly before midnight.

By then, Maya had already been examined by a paramedic and released. She had mild smoke exposure but required no hospital treatment. The emergency responders confirmed that she was physically safe.

Evelyn’s driver arrived wit

Three weeks later, Richard stood in Aisle 4 of SuperMart Depot.

He wore a blue polyester vest over a white shirt and dark trousers. A yellow badge displayed his first name in block letters.

RICHARD

The job was temporary, arranged through an employment agency while he se

The mahogany-paneled courtroom of District Family Court was silent, save for the rhythmic clicking of the court reporter’s machine.

Richard sat at the petitioner’s table. He had tried his best to look respectable, wearing his old Tom Ford suit, but the fabric hung loosely