ARIA

The drive to the outskirts of the city felt like a descent into a nightmare I’d already lived a thousand times. Every time I checked the rearview mirror, I expected to see Kane’s car, or maybe the police, but there was only the gray, oppressive skyline and the dying light of a winter afternoon.

My hands were glued to the steering wheel, my knuckles white. I didn't have a choice. The image of that little girl on the playground—Celia’s daughter—and the mention of her brother ...