“I updated the codes while the police were outside.”

“He can’t get back in, even if he gets someone to post bond.”

“Thank you, Annika,” I said, walking her to the front door.

“I’ll call you in the morning,” she said. “Get some sleep.”

She stepped out, and I locked the heavy front door behind her.

I turned the deadbolt, hearing the solid click of the metal slide into place.

I walked back into the dining room.

The table was still set for eight people, the silver candlesticks burning low.

I went around the table, blowing out each candle one by one.

With each puff of air, the room grew darker, until only the moonlight through the high windows remained.

I sat down in the chair at the head of the table, the seat Derek usually occupied.

The leather was cool against my back.

I looked at the empty chairs, the remnants of a dinner party that had ended in ruin.

But it was his ruin, not mine.

My hands were no longer shaking.

I leaned back, closed my eyes, and listened to the quiet winter wind brushing against the glass.