Mike grinning into the camera.
I placed the two photographs beside each other on the kitchen table.
Mike had teased Harold for years about backing out.
“Six months ago,” I said aloud to the empty kitchen. “He grew his hair out six months ago.”
I already knew what I would do in the morning.
Mike had teased Harold.
***
Harold opened the door wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants, looking as though he hadn’t slept either. Mia was home with Rachel.
“I figured you’d come.”
“Can I come in?”
My boss stepped aside. His house was almost unnaturally clean, Mike’s old travel mug sitting on the kitchen counter like an accusation.
I remained standing.
“Turn your head, Harold.”
“Alison.”
“Can I come in?”
“Please. Just turn.”
He turned. I stared at the compass rose behind his ear in the flat morning light, and I felt something inside my chest loosen and tighten again in the same instant.
