The winter chill came back. Although Christmas had been warm, a northern front moved in. I covered my legs with extra blankets Lou Ann had given me as I hung up the phone with Chel.
On the day of Noah’s murder, after the police barged in the apartment, my daughter saw me being led out in a gurney. She shrieked when she saw me, and I told Elena to take her away. We agreed in the ambulance not to tell her Noah was murdered and right away, Elena had her parents pick her up. My daughter called me every day from North Carolina to check on me. She asked about Noah during the daily phone calls and each time she asked, I lied. I knew soon I would have to tell her.
A gentle knock stirred me. “Hey, Jake. I’m about to make some tea. Want some?”
“Sure. I’ll be right out.” When I reached the living
