POV: Karen — Present Tense

The envelope feels heavier than it should.

It sits on the dining table like it knows something I don’t.

The handwriting is sharp, deliberate:

A. DRAKE

FOR KAREN BENNETT CARTER — BEFORE HE SEES IT.

Before he.

Dre.

My chest tightens.

Tariq stands near the window, pretending to scan the street. But his eyes track every move I make, ready for me to falter.

“You sure?” he asks quietly.

“No.” I swallow. Then, “Yes.”

I slide my finger under the ...