February 22, 2015, Alcott EstateAt midnight, the girls arrive at the Alcott estate from the hectic winner"s weekend celebration in Maine. Laura glances through the rearview mirror at Leanne and Tara sleeping awkwardly in their seats. Passing through the wrought iron gate, lanterns light the private road a soft yellow hue as Laura delivers her tired friends safely home.
Unable to sleep, Laura grabs the mail left by Jennie on the credenza and heads toward her office with a cup of chamomile tea. Stepping into the long glass corridor, she"s more wary than usual of the dark panel of windows. She rushes into her office, lights a fire, collapses with a sigh onto the sofa, and rummages through assorted junk mail, monthly bills, magazines, and catalogs, pausing at a glossy interior design publicat
