David stepped out of the house just as the late afternoon sun dipped behind the palms, casting long shadows across the driveway.
Carolina was inside with Miranda, the two of them curled up on the couch with a book, soft laughter drifting through the open window. Micah stood on the porch, arms folded, watching him with that quiet, knowing look she always had when she sensed he was carrying something heavy.
“You sure you want to do this alone?” she asked.
David stopped at the bottom step. “I need to. He’s your brother. I need to hear it from him.”
Micah nodded slowly. “Just… be careful what you say. Scott’s not like the others. He’s messed up, but he’s not evil.”
David gave her a small smile. “I know. I’ll be back before dark.”
He climbed into the SUV and drove downtown, windows down,
