Louisa sat down next to Roman at the charity luncheon. She had chosen the seat on purpose. The chair scraped lightly on the floor as she pulled it in. She set her small purse on the table and turned to face him straight on. The white tablecloth brushed her lap. A half-empty glass of water sat between them.
Roman glanced over. He did not know who she was for thirty seconds. He saw an older woman with steady eyes and a calm face. Her posture was straight. Her hands rested in her lap. Then it clicked. Sera’s aunt. The one who had been there through everything. The one who loved Sera like a daughter.
“I’m Louisa,” she said. “Sera’s aunt. I’m going to ask you questions, and I’d like honest answers.”
“All right,” Roman said. His voice stayed even. He put his fork down. The plate in front of h
