Chapter 2

An hour later, I had over twenty missed calls from Adrian. I didn't answer a single one.

A text came through: "Since you insist on blaming her, then there's no point continuing this marriage. I'll have the divorce papers sent to the house. Just sign them."

I stared at the screen for a moment, then replied: "Fine."

No response from him after that. No follow-up questions, no additional words.

I packaged up screenshots from Bailey's Snapchat---group dinner photos and audio clips of her saying the wrong things that provoked the kidnapper during the negotiation---and sent them to him.

"Adrian, our daughter is dead. Does she really bear no responsibility at all?"

The message failed to send. He'd blocked me on Snapchat.

When I refreshed my feed, Bailey's post had changed. The previous content was deleted, replaced with a new one: "Too nervous on today's mission with Captain Hayes. Said the wrong thing and almost messed things up. Fortunately Captain Hayes reacted quickly and covered for me. The team dinner afterward was because Captain Hayes was worried I'd develop PTSD, so he spent the whole time counseling me. Sorry for any misunderstandings everyone."

The photo attached showed her with head bowed, hands forming a prayer gesture, looking utterly innocent.

Adrian commented below: "Don't be afraid. Learn from your mistakes. I've got your back."

A flood of comforting replies appeared beneath:

"New people make mistakes all the time. Captain Hayes is so protective of his subordinates."

"Isn't someone being too sensitive? The child's death is unfortunate, but you can't take it out on others."

"Bailey is so lucky to have such a great mentor."

I pulled at the corner of my mouth, mentally noting each of these names.

I'd pulled every string I could to get him into the elite negotiation unit, wanting him to achieve his potential.

I'd used all my resources to help him build his case portfolio and establish his reputation.

Now he was an industry legend, and naturally those around him basked in his glory. Even this rookie assistant dared to step all over me.

They probably thought that without him, I'd be nothing---that I'd just have to swallow my grievances.

Bailey replied to every comment with a shy emoji, and to Adrian with an animated starry-eyed face.

When someone knocked on my door, I was organizing my daughter's old photos and toys.

Outside was one of Adrian's colleagues, holding a document envelope and a small box.

"Captain Hayes asked me to deliver these," he said awkwardly. "This is the divorce agreement, and... Bailey said you might be emotionally distressed lately, so she sent this to help calm your nerves."

"The box says it's some kind of brain supplement for stress."

"Though honestly, ma'am, you seem pretty calm to me."

I shoved the box back into his hands. "Tell her I'm perfectly calm."

I closed the door and opened the envelope, writing my name on the signature line of the divorce agreement.