looked shocked by that.
I stepped toward him.
“You faked your d/e/@/th?”
“For your protection.”
I laughed bitterly.
“I’m beginning to hate that phrase.”
He lowered himself into a chair.
“You should.”
“Where is Melissa?”
My father’s expression softened.
“Safe.”
“Everybody keeps saying that.”
“She is.”
“Take me to her.”
“Not yet.”
I slammed both hands on the desk.
“No more riddles!”
The old man flinched.
Good.
For once, somebody else could feel frightened.
“I have buried my daughter, my wife, and you.”
My voice shook.
“Apparently none of you stayed buried.”
Dad lowered his eyes.
“You deserved the truth.”
“Yes.”
“But truth given too early would have caused more harm.”
“Try me.”
He reached into his coat.
Calvin moved instantly.
“Hands where I can see them.”
Dad gave him a dry look.
“I’m ninety-one, Calvin.”
“Still.”
He slowly produced a flash drive.
“This contains everything.”
Dorothy stared.
