"She died?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

She is the girl from the photos: the girl at the piano. The one he won't talk about.

"Yes," Lauren sighed. "She was in a terrible car crash on her way home from boarding school. The other driver was drunk."

I was no longer sure if she was telling me or talking to herself.

"My baby girl died, and Alistair lost his princess. Melody's best friend was in the car with her. My boys are quite protective of Abby ...