Chapter 20: The Microphone

Callie's POV

Gavin did not look at me once.

He stood under the lights with the microphone in both hands.

He looked at the small woman in navy at the head table.

"Mrs. Danvers," he said. "Nine years ago I told you your son died drunk behind the wheel.

"I told the police the same thing."

A murmur ran across the ballroom.

"It was a lie. He had not had a drink. He was asleep in the back seat."

Dot's hand closed on my wrist.

"Your daughter was driving," Gavin said. "She had been drinking.

"I was in the front seat, and I let her take the keys."

The room went absolutely silent.

Nobody coughed, and nobody lifted a glass.

I looked at the head table and saw Corinna on her feet.

"He's ill," she said, high and fast. "Everyone, he's not himself. He hasn't slept, and he's been"

"She hit the guardrail," Gavin said over her, and the microphone carried every word.

"Your son was thrown forward between the seats."

Mrs. Danvers made a small sound.

"Gavin, stop," Corinna said.

"I thought he was gone before I got my door open, Mrs. Danvers. I was wrong."

His voice broke.

"He said her name once, and he was asking if she was all right. Then he was gone."

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