The house was quiet in the way it only got after Victoria had been gone for hours. Elena stood in the middle of the living room with her phone still in her hand. Jordan’s latest message sat open on the screen.

I talked to your mom again. She’s worried too. Whatever you’re hiding, it’s starting to show on both of you. Call me.

Elena locked the phone and set it on the coffee table. Her hands were not steady. Under her shirt the bruises felt tight and hot, as if the conversation with Jordan had reached through the fabric and pressed on every one of them at once. Between her...