Of Katie’s friends, Ellen was the only one who seemed entirely comfortable in the Wests’ big living room. Zoe sat scrunched into the furthest corner of the couch she shared with the other girls, eyes pointed down at her clasped hands, as if she was afraid to look at, let alone touch anything. Penny sat next to her, trying her hardest to avoid Markus West’s eyes, unable to forget the contempt he had shown for her only weeks before. His eyes, however, kept returning to her, stealing quick glances.
Katie’s mother stood in the kitchen again, speaking with Michael over the phone. Her voice was too soft for Penny to make out her end of the conversation, but it was over quickly, and Mrs. West returned to find herself the center of attention.
“Susan knows you’re here,” she said. “They’re on
