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“Give it to me.”

“You don't have to read this right now.”

“Give me my husband's letter.”

He releases it.

I unfold the paper.

Nathan's words blur.

I blink until I can see them.

Cole,

If you're reading this, I'm dead.

My hand flies to my mouth.

Sophie is eating pancakes three feet away.

I can't do this.

I can't fall apart.

Not here.

Not now.

I keep reading.

And if Claire gave this to you, then whatever killed me has found my family.

A sound escapes me.

Cole reaches across the table.

His hand closes over mine.

This time I don't pull away.

I need you to do what I couldn't.

Keep them alive.

Tears roll down my cheeks.

I don't wipe them away.

Don't trust the official report.

Don't trust anyone connected to my investigation.

Investigation?

I look at Cole.

“What investigation?”