Once the car has turned the corner, I turn to Kenya. “Did you know she was sick again?”
“I knew her medication had stopped working, but I didn’t know she needed dialysis.” Kenya touches my arm. “Caren, we’re all in this together. We’re not against each other. We have to look out for each other and each other’s kids.”
“Does that include Van?” I ask sharply.
“What about Van?”
“You’re aware that he might have done more than just break into a few houses, right?”
Kenya’s eyes widen in genuine surprise, the kind you can’t fake.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Did you know he was sleeping with the woman that lived in that cement house?” I ask, watching her face carefully for signs of recognition. “The one where the nanny was killed?”
“You mean that single mom?” Kenya emits a little cough. “With the little kid? No, I did not know that. How do you know that?”
“From Tori Price herself. That’s the woman’s name. She basically implied that Van killed that young nanny. She said that she tried to break up with him, and he got possessive. He threatened her.”
“That is the most insane thing I have ever heard,” Kenya says. “Are you sure?”
I nod. “Yup.”
“But you can’t really think that Van— I mean, I know he’s had his issues, but murder?”
“I don’t know what I think. I’m playing catch-up, remember?”
“Caren, you’re not going to do anything rash, are you?”
“Like what? Like call the police and tell them about the burglaries? Or about Jo and Daniel drugging me?”
“Or confront the Allards yourself. If Van was involved in that girl’s death, it could be dangerous.”
“I’m tempted to confront them. I mean, they drugged me at their party. You think they should be able to get away with that?”
She sighs. “No, that’s not it. I really wish you hadn’t gotten caught up in this, Caren, I truly do. But please, please think about your next move. Because I know you’re angry at me, at Yumi, at everyone. But there are kids here whose futures are in your hands.”
“I’m not trying to get our kids in trouble. I don’t want that.”
She shakes her head. “I know. I know you think this is just about the police. But it’s more than that. We’re talking about their college careers. Caren, you need to talk to Miguel. I really don’t want this coming from me.”
“Wantwhatcoming from you?”
“Noah and Rachel. You could say we made a deal with the devil. But if we break our end, we will have to answer to that devil.”
“What deal and what devil, Kenya?”
“The deal we made with the Allards,” Kenya says. “You know Yumi works for a college consultant, right?”
“Sure. What does that have to do with anything?”
“Ask Miguel. Ask Miguel to tell you about Crimson Edge.”
THIRTY-FIVE
As soon as the large clock on the wall at Tatte reads ten to six, Finn packs his messenger bag. He stops at the counter for a quick goodbye to Ellis, then walks out into the heat. The sun is still high in the sky, nightfall won’t be for a few hours, and the swamp-like humidity shows no hint of abating.
His breathing becomes labored as he climbs the steep hill of Massachusetts Avenue toward Eastbrook, sweat drenching his back. He focuses on putting one foot in front of the other, trying to hew to the edge of the sidewalk where the dappled shade provides some relief from the heat.