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“I suppose I want you to understand that people can change. That maybe none of us should be judged forever by the things we did when we were children.”

My spine stiffens.

There it is. The real reason for this little impromptu chat.

“But,” she adds quickly, “I also know that changing doesn’t erase the harm we’ve caused. We still have to make amends for the things we’ve done.”

Something about the way she says it makes the hairs on my arms rise.

“So if my Peyton has never said it herself, then please let me say it for her.”

She takes another breath.

“I’m sorry.”

The words hang between us like a grenade with the pin already pulled.

I don’t move.

“I’m sorry for the pain she caused you. I know those words are too small to undo any of it. Certainly too small to ask for forgiveness. But they’re all I have.” She blinks rapidly, barely holding herself together. “I love my daughter very much, Maxine. She’s my whole world. But I also know what she did to you.”

My throat dries as her gaze moves across my face, lingering on the scar disappearing beneath my scarf before dropping to my gloved hands. When she looks at me again, there are tears in her eyes.

And something else.

Fear.

So much fear.

“Please forgive her.”

“Mrs. Crawford—”

“Please.” Her voice breaks. “Please don’t hurt her.”

Everything inside me goes still.

For a second, I’m not even sure I heard her correctly.

“Me?” A bitter laugh slips from my lips. “You think I’m going to hurt Peyton?”

Jennine doesn’t answer.

She doesn’t have to. It’s written all over her face.

I look past her, across the cemetery, straight at Peyton. She’s still standing with the others, staring right back at me. Our silent exchange lasts only a second before I turn back to her mother.

“No, Mrs. Crawford.” My voice comes out surprisingly calm. “I know what they’re saying about me, but I’m not here to settle old scores.”

I take a step back.

“Karma is.”

Then I turn my back on her and walk out of the cemetery with Sienna beside me.

Head held high.

Chapter 28