I married a prisoner for money while he was serving a twelve-year sentence — but after his conviction was overturned, he came to my apartment with a black box and said, “Now it’s my turn to be honest.”

Tools

“Why are you so desperate to get those documents?” I asked.

“Nora, don’t be foolish.”

“Did you know Julian was innocent?”

Silence.

“Did you know someone had framed your son?”

“Nora—”

“Answer me.”

Her voice became cold.

“You have no idea what sacrifices are necessary to protect a family.” PlanFamily Trips

I closed my eyes.

That was answer enough for me.

I picked up the steel key.

“You paid me because you thought I was desperate enough to do whatever you wanted.”

“Take the money, Nora.”

“No.”

Eleanor fell