“And Brenner is gone.”

“We’re going to build a new life, Evelyn.”

“A quiet life, just the three of us.”

I looked at the back seat of the car, where Lauren was sitting, her small doll clutched in her arms.

She was smiling, her eyes bright and happy.

“Come on, Evelyn,” she said. “Mama is waiting.”

I stepped toward the car, my hand reaching for the door handle.

But as I did, my fingers brushed against the pocket of my coat.

The leather book was still there.

And the note from Mary, written five years ago, was still in my hand.

I looked at the house in the distance, its dark windows still staring at me.

And the shadow was still there, standing behind the glass.

I looked back at Ethan, his smile still soft and warm in the headlights.

“Is something wrong, Evelyn?” he asked.

I didn’t answer.

I just got into the car and closed the door, the warmth of the heater hitting my face.

“No,” I said, tucking the gold key into my pocket.

“Nothing is wrong.”