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I watch through the window as a police car turns up my driveway. And then another one. A squad car would usually be out of place on this upscale street, but with everything going on, they’ve been frequenting this neighborhood.

I should have known better. I should have seen this coming.

When exactly the fait accompli was set into motion, though, is harder to put my finger on.

“Uh…Nora…,” Este says from somewhere behind me.

The tone of her voice drives home the certainty that something bad is about to happen.

I open the front door and step outside, the Florida heat hitting me about the same time the blood drains from my face. Three more cars follow behind the first two. An ominous processional.

“Nora, what is going on?” she calls from inside the house.

I try to answer, but my breath catches.

Detective Travis Ardell gets out of the lead car, followed by a cop from the shotgun seat.

The other cars all have two, three, and four officers in them.

They’re taking out kits, brown evidence bags, gloves, and booties.

They’re preparing to descend on the property, and they’ve brought enough equipment to dismantle my life.

Ardell makes eye contact with me, a damning accusation behind his eyes, and I swear I can hear the thought inside his head. The one saying, I’ve got you now, Nora.

A memory of Will’s face momentarily eclipses the scene unfolding in front me. His piercing blue eyes twinkle—he’s almost in reach. I blink and he disappears. Again.

“Come inside,” Este calls to me.

But there’s no point. I stand there, waiting.

I know they are coming for me.