Chapter 10: Trent's Birthday

Aldous Steakhouse had white tablecloths, dark wood and a hostess who recognized Brynn's name before I gave it.

"The back room is through there," she said. "Mr. Aldous said to send you right in."

Brynn's father owned the place.

I had paid for four of their anniversary dinners.

Hallie took my arm in the hallway.

She wore a dark green dress and her hair in a low knot.

"You're sure?" I asked.

"I've never been surer."

Her hand on my sleeve was cold.

I pushed the door open.

The back room held one long table and about fifteen people.

Daphne sat at the middle with a champagne flute. Lindy was beside her, thumbing her phone.

Brynn stood at the far end in a white dress, laughing at something.

I saw her notice me in the second before the laugh died.

At the head of the table, Trent was giving a toast with his back to the door.

He had a wineglass in one hand.

"And to the friends who show up," he was saying, "and the ones who don't."

Fifteen heads turned.

The room went quiet in a ripple.

Brynn came down the length of the table with a glass of red wine in her fist.

"You came," she said. She sounded almost delighted. "I knew you'd come. Say it, Miles. Say you're sorry, and we'll all go home."

"I'm not here to apologize."

"Then why?"

"To return something."

I took a folded paper from my jacket and dropped it on the table in front of her father's best silver.

It was the first page of the credit report, with my case number written across the top in pen.

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