“The gourmet market in town is open until five,” Sarah muttered, though she still looked pale.

“Exactly,” Juliette said, nodding. “We will get the imported ham, the artisanal cheeses, and those expensive cherry tarts.”

She looked toward the back door, her impatience growing.

“Dan will just have to pay for it,” Juliette said. “He knows how to treat his family.”

I watched her, feeling a cold stillness settle over me.

“Dan’s wallet is in the hallway,” I noted quietly.

“Good,” Juliette said. “Sarah, go get your brother’s cards.”

Sarah hesitated, looking between me and her mother.

She didn’t move.

“What is wrong with you?” Juliette snapped at Sarah. “Go get them.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Mom,” Sarah whispered.

“And why not?” Juliette asked, her eyebrows arching.

“Because,” Sarah said, her eyes wide as she looked at her phone again.

A new notification popped up on Sarah’s screen, lighting up her face in the dim kitchen.

At the same moment, the back door creaked open, and the smell of cut grass drifted inside.

Dan stepped into the kitchen, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his arm.