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“Where is this Bennett?” he says

“I don’t know” Looking up at Elaine, she shakes her head “It’s possible Patrick ht be able to find him”

Star and Mariska have sloalked to where we’re standing, and now they join us

“What’s going on?” Star says softly “Do you know Bennett?”

“No,” he says not breaking eye contact with me “Only one man ever claimed to be my father He was the worst kind of lowlife” His voice trails off, and Kenny’s arhtens around his waist

Turning back, a phone rings, and E

laine’s out of her chair, dashing to the guest bedrooot to be Patrick”

My head feels light, and I pull out a chair to sit Mariska runs over behindher slim hands on my shoulders

“Hey, babe, what’s the news?” We all lean forward listening Elaine’s voice is unbelievably calm “Okay,” she says She frowns, and the room starts to blur “Oh shit, Patrick, talk to Melissa She can tell me what you say” My best friend rushes toward ht! Speakerphone!”

She pulls the phone away, touches its face, and sets it on the table in front ofboth htly I can’t breathe waiting for what Patrick will say Everyone in the room is huddled aroundroom

“I have great news and then not so great news”

I’od, Patrick! Just tell us if Derek is free!”

“Yes—he is! The judge agreed with the prosecutor” We all exhale in a united noise Tears floodas waves of relief rattle my insides

Mariska and Elaine hug each other, and then we realize Patrick is shouting over the noise of our celebration

“Hang on!” Elaine says, “Hang on, guys What, Patrick?”