“Since before you were born.”
He opened the refrigerator.
“I’ll grab drinks.”
I gestured toward the basement.
“Come on, Noah. It’ll only take a second.”
He followed me.
Each step down felt heavier than the last.
The basement was mostly storage.
Holiday decorations.
Old furniture.
Boxes I’d promised myself I’d sort through someday.
Several of Michael’s things were still there too.
I let Noah step through the basement door first.
Then I saw the pendant again.
I couldn’t wait.
“Where did you get that necklace?”
He touched it.
“This?”
“Yes.”
“My dad gave it to me.”
My heart started pounding.
“Your father?”
“Yeah.”
“What’s his name?”
Noah’s smile disappeared.
“Michael.”
I pulled the basement door shut.
Then I turned the key.
Noah immediately grabbed the handle from the other side.
“Mrs. Diane?”
“We’re calling the police now,” I said through the door, my voice steadier than I felt. “I’ll explain everything.”
