They had filled the house with people because they wanted witnesses to a version of events that erased me before anything happened in the basement.
Marcus expected polite conversation, full plates, and repeated lies to become protection for him.
He never imagined the people sitting at his table would later describe the exact words he used, the time he left the dining room, the impact that shook the floor, and his calm expression when he returned.
Pregnancy & Maternity
One guest remembered asking whether I would be back before the baby came.
Marcus had smiled and said my family wanted me to stay with them through the delivery.
Another guest recalled his mother touching the gold key whenever anyone mentioned my empty chair.
