Sarah stared at me. “Daniel, that’s exactly what Marcus wants.”
“Maybe he deserves it. He’s her blood.”
“So? You were her family. I saw you with her every day.”
I didn’t answer. I just kept folding the towels.
“You need a plan.”
***
That night, I sat on my bed with the bag in front of me. I hadn’t opened it. Somehow, it felt like a violation. The second I unzipped it, I’d be admitting Marcus was right about something.
My phone buzzed. I answered it, and it was Mr. Charleston.
“Daniel, I didn’t get to finish that day. Before you make any decisions, please open the bag. Read the letter. Gloria anticipated all of this.”
I hadn’t opened it.
“Anticipated what?”
“She knew Marcus would come the moment he heard. She prepared for it. That’s what I was trying to tell you when he walked up. Please. Just open it.”
