While I was on vacation with my cousins, my phone lit up with one message: “Get on a plane home. Don’t tell your parents you’re coming.” When I landed, an attorney and two investigators

Elaine asked about my cousins. Martin complained about traffic. I answered just enough to sound tired. All the while, I studied them. His hands. Her eyes. The silences between them.

After dinner, Elaine washed dishes while Martin poured coffee.

I stood in the doorway and said, “Can I ask you something strange?”

My father looked up. “Strange how?”

I forced continue reading …