Can I come to your room?”

“That’s fraud, Jess. About the insurance, I mean.”

“That’s what Mom said. But Michael said there’s no proof he didn’t do it all the time. It just makes sense he did, especially because of the noose. Plus, I’m sure Mr. Blass will do all he can to help Mom get the money.”

“No doubt. But what’s the deal about the noose?”

“The detectives said it was a slip knot instead of a hangman’s knot, and that’s how the auto-sex guys do it. But I can’t imagine Daddy knew anything about tying the kind of knots he’d need to hang himself. You think he bought it somewhere?”

I laugh. “You mean like a suicide store?”

She shakes her head. “Forget I said that. I’m such an idiot sometimes.”

“Not to me. You’re brilliant, far as I’m concerned. So this whole insurance scam was Michael’s idea?”

“Yup. But he didn’t have to twist Mom’s arm. She’s in it 100%.”

“Did they ask you to lie?”

“Nope. I’m just a child, remember? I’m not supposed to know anything.”

“You’re no child.”

“Not after last night,” she giggles. “Can I come over?”

I pause. “How about we meet downstairs for breakfast? I’m starving. Aren’t you?”

“I guess. Are you blowing me off?”

“No, of course not.”

“Are you sure? Because I had a really great time last night.”

“Me too.”

“Then why can’t we…”

“Order room service?”

“Uh huh.”

“I’m twenty-three.”

“What?”

“I’m twenty-three years old.”

“No you’re not. You’re twenty-one, same as Michael.”

“I lied about my age.”

“No shit? Why?”

“I don’t know. The night I met him he asked me, and it just came out. Then, once we started dating, I just…never corrected it.”

“He’s never seen your driver’s license?”

“If he did, he never checked the date.”

“What made you tell me just now?”

“I really like you. I thought you should know.”

“Twenty-three?”

“Yup.”

“That’s really sweet, Grandma,” she says, then laughs hysterically.

When she’s done I ask, “So it’s not a problem? The age difference?”

“No. And don’t worry: I’ll keep your secret.”

“Thanks.”

“We’ve all got secrets, Nicki.”

“Tell me one of yours.”

She says, “Here’s one I’ve been saving. Ready?”

“Let’s hear it.”

“I’m adopted.”

10.

8:15 a.m.

“WHAT DO YOU mean you’re adopted? Who told you that?”

“Michael. And then I confronted Mom and Daddy and they confirmed it.”

“When did this happen?”

“Years ago, when I was ten. I was being a brat and Michael got pissed and said I wasn’t his real sister.”

“What a bastard! Has he always been like that?”

“Who cares? You’re still gonna leave him, right?”

“Absolutely. And soon.”

“Good.