The tension in the living room could be sliced with a knife. Riele sat at the edge of the couch, her fingers entwined tightly in her lap. Beside her was Charlotte, holding baby Hope in her arms. Utter stood near the wall, arms crossed, his face unreadable. The air was heavy. Every ticking second from the old clock above the television felt like a warning bell.

Kim stood by the window, his back to them all. He had invited Jane, but even he wasn’t ready for what was about to unfold. He ...