conversation about me that had happened without me.
I stood.
“I think breakfast is over.”
Bradley stared.
“You’re throwing us out?”
“I’m asking you to leave.”
“Mom—”
“Take the muffins.”
Ashley did.
Ten minutes later, their SUV disappeared down the sandy road.
I stood alone in the kitchen.
Four small pieces of tape remained on the refrigerator.
I carefully peeled them away.
Then I grabbed my purse and drove to the county offices.
I told myself I only wanted to verify something.
That wasn’t true.
Somewhere between removing that schedule
