Outside, the backyard was almost dark.
Only the porch light and a small garden lamp near Henry’s shed were on.
Graham walked toward the far end.
“What exactly did you do?” I demanded.
He kept going.
“Graham.”
“You’ll see.”
“I am not enjoying those words.”
“I wasn’t expecting you to.”
Then I noticed someone standing beside the shed.
A man.
For a second, I couldn’t see his face.
Then he stepped beneath the garden light.
I screamed.
“HENRY?”
My husband lifted both hands.
“Hi.”
I stared at him.
“You are supposed to be four hours away!”
“I was this morning. I drove back early.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me?”
Henry glanced toward a covered shape beside the shed. “That would’ve ruined this.”
Graham muttered, “I’m going inside.”
“No, you’re not.”
He stopped.
Henry looked almost guilty.
That frightened me more than anything.
“What did you two do?”
Henry looked toward Graham.
Graham nodded at something large beside the shed.
It was hidden beneath an old moving blanket.
“What is that?” I shrieked.
Henry slowly stepped toward me.
“Mercy, before you get angry…”
“I am already angry.”
“Fair.”
“Did you make some kind of deal with Graham?”
Henry winced. “Yes.”
I stared at him.
Behind us, the back door opened.
Marissa’s voice floated across the yard.
“Mom?”
All three of us froze.
She hadn’t seen us yet.
“Mari, stay inside!” I called.
“Why?”
