That afternoon while I worked at home, Tonya called me to ask if she and Sherie could do a sleepover at Gramma Jo’s that night. I had picked up both girls from their schools, and they were currently doing homework in Gramma Jo’s kitchen. Tonya claimed that she and Sherie missed Gramma and wanted to spend some “girl” time together. If that was okay, then they would meet Marius and me at the park the next afternoon.
I agreed, though secretly I thought that Tonya had said something to Marie, which had precipitated all this. Whatever the case, I texted Marius about what was happening, and then drove over to Marie Rabineaux’s home with a change of clothes for both girls. I had keys to Marius’s apartment, as he did mine. It was just easier that way.
“Hi there, handsome,” Marie greeted me when
