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CHAPTER ONE

Why do the wrong people die?

The attorney offers a rehearsed so up in flames “Do you have any questions?”

My brother and his wife died, and they left me with their ten-year-old son, Gabriel

Questions? Yes I have so many questions

Why didn’t they purchase htI ever wanted the, especially in death

“Kyle and Emily wanted you to live with Gabriel in their house Keep him in the same school Do as much as possible to not disrupt his life”

“My nephew lost both of his parents I think it’s a little late to not disrupt his life”

“Of course” Her smile slips from her face

Pausing aze upward tobrunette I don’t knohat to say

Her face reseood look on her “I’m sorry You don’t have to stay in their house You don’t have to o Gabriel is ten I have a ten-year-old son They’re resilient I’m sure he will adapt to Boise, a new school, and new friends”

This doesn’t feel real Please let her be nothingdreaet er to my Pilates class

My brother and his wife took a cruise How does one die in a fire surrounded by hundreds of miles of water? Just … jump in the water!

“Or … you don’t have to do this at all There is nothing that legally requires you to take custody of Gabriel”

Just wake the hell up and go to Pilates!

Kyle called to say goodbye and to let me knoould be responsible for Gabe if their plane went down on their way to Spain It was an afterthought A tiny footnote at the end of a long book That was the first tie responsibility I brushed it off with “Wow! You must be desperate to choose me”

He brushed it off with a laugh and “Mom and Dad are too old to do it But don’t worry … we’ll make it back in one piece”

Liar

“Miss Glock—”

“Gracelyn,” I correct her