Chapter 4

I didn't sleep that night. I couldn't. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Carson and Violette sitting together in what should have been my baby's nursery, their hands unconsciously mirroring each other's protective gestures over their growing children. The image burned behind my eyelids like a brand.

By dawn, I knew what I had to do.

My fingers trembled as I dialed Calvin's number, the business card he'd given me yesterday now creased from being clutched too tightly. The phone rang twice before his familiar voice answered.

"Calvin Wilson."

"It's Skylar." My voice came out as barely a…