“Leave.”

“Why?”

“Daniel, listen to me. Leave now.”

A metallic crash echoed downstairs.

Headlights swept through the warehouse windows.

Three black vehicles rolled into the yard.

Thomas moved toward the glass.

“Mercer.”

The driver’s door opened.

Rebecca stepped out.

Behind her came the silver-haired man from the photograph.

Charles Mercer.

Daniel stared downward.

“Mom?”

Rebecca looked toward the office window.

She raised her phone.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

Then the warehouse lights went dark.

PART 5 — THE WOMAN WHO HAD BEEN LYING LONGER THAN MY HUSBAND

Darkness swallowed the room.

Emily screamed.

Someone grabbed my hand.

Michael.

Even after six years, my body recognized his fingers immediately.

“Stay behind me.”

“No.”

“Maggie.”

“I spent thirty-four years behind your secrets. Not anymore.”

Thomas guided us toward a rear staircase.

Ryan switched on his phone flashlight.

Daniel barely moved.

“My mother is with him.”

Thomas grabbed his shoulder.

“If you want answers, survive long enough to hear them.”