We arrange for me to talk with the police chief tomorrow. I’m going to have to do a lot of lying to make it through that conversation, but I think I can manage it. I don’t think they suspect me anymore, and it’s not like they could guess the truth.

It’s been less than a week since I left St. Louis. Just over a week since mom died. It feels like it’s been years. My life before Springwater feels like a distant memory.

I wish I could talk to my mom about all ...