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that’d surfaced while she was on the witness stand made her sick—especially since her in-laws had been in the courtroom, staring up at her. She’d never forget the expression on her mother-in-law’s face when the defense claimed that Charlie’s wife was the person who had the most to gain from his death.
    â€œI had very little parental support growing up,” she said. “My mother meant well, but she had to work two jobs just to keep a roof over our heads. And my father was an alcoholic who stepped out of a bar when I was seven and was struck by a car. I was wild in my teens and early twenties. I hooked up with the wrong crowd. I dated the wrong men. But I put all of that behind me once I met Charlie and realized what I really wanted out of life.”
    â€œI understand. People change. Still, your past doesn’t look good on paper. You were once an ‘old lady’ to a man in a biker gang—and drove the getaway car when Sebastian robbed a liquor store.”
    â€œSebastian didn’t tell me he was going to rob that store! I was waiting for him to pick up a pack of cigarettes!”
    â€œMoney is motive.”
    Tears began to roll down her face and drip into her lap. “So is obsession. Sebastian was obsessed with me!”
    â€œI get that,” he agreed. “But it isn’t motive we need so much as evidence.”
    Charlie was dead, and yet Sebastian was free to go anywhere he wanted. How had it come to this? “What if Sebastian somehow finds out where I live?” she asked. “He could turn up at my house again.”
    â€œI wish we could keep him behind bars,” the detective replied, “but we can’t.”
    She was glad Flores didn’t point out that she was the one who’d given Sebastian her address the night Charlie was shot. She’d felt sorry for him, wanted to help an old friend get into rehab. She’d never dreamed Sebastian would read more into her actions, that he’d start trying to reconcile with her. I’ll never be happy without you , he’d said that night.
    So he’d made it impossible for her to be happy...
    â€œHave you told the Sommerses?” she asked dully.
    â€œNot yet. I’ve been trying to figure out how to break the news to both of you. I knew how it would make you feel.”
    She felt there was no justice in the world. That was how it made her feel. Then there was the helplessness. What now? How would she defend herself—or Cassia—from Sebastian if he tracked her down?
    â€œI doubt he’ll bother you,” the detective was saying. “He’d be crazy to risk his freedom again.”
    â€œYou mean since he’s gotten off once,” she said. “Criminals do that all the time. They’re given a second chance, and then they reoffend, right?”
    â€œIf I were you, I’d get a security system. And keep an eye out. But try not to let this ruin your peace of mind.”
    She had to laugh. Could he be serious? She’d get a security system, but that wouldn’t stop Sebastian from getting to her if he was determined enough. All he’d have to do was follow her to Cassia’s preschool or the store, where she’d be defenseless.
    â€œIndia?” Detective Flores said when she didn’t respond.
    She couldn’t answer him. What was there to say? They’d let Sebastian go, and now he’d come looking for her. She’d testified against him. In his world, there was no greater sin, no greater betrayal.
    â€œWhen?” she said as she wiped her cheeks.
    â€œWhen...what?” the detective asked.
    â€œWhen did you release him?”
    There was another long moment of silence. Then he said, “Yesterday.”
    Now she didn’t want Cassia to come home, not when the child would be so much safer with her grandparents.
    That meant Sebastian hadn’t cost her only Charlie; he’d cost her Cassia, as well.

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