Page 132 of Faultlines

“When did he say that?”

“When I snuck out.” She pulls her sleeves over her hands, burying her fingers in the fabric as if seeking comfort from the soft cotton. “He said if people kept interfering, somebody was going to regret it.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

“Don’t say it like I’m brave. I’m just scared.”

“Being scared doesn’t cancel out bravery.”

“What if he gets madder?”

“Then that tells us something important about him. Love doesn’t punish you for being protected.”

She twists the tissue in her hands. “I keep thinking I should’ve known. Maybe if I’d paid more attention...”

“People don’t earn trust by acting dangerous. They earn it by acting safe. That’s what makes betrayal so devastating.”

She looks at me uncertainly.

“Trust isn’t a character flaw.”

I leave work as darkness settles. By the time I park on Main Street, Christmas lights twinkle from storefront windows and the bare branches of trees. This is my favorite time of year, when the town transforms into our very own holiday movie.

The annual holiday market has taken over the town square as it does every year. Wooden vendor booths, draped in strings of lights, line the sidewalks. Holiday music drifts from hidden speakers. Families huddle together as they gather around the giant tree in the center of the square.

I spot Ellie’s bright red scarf as I approach the tree. She’s standing beside Lucy near a hot chocolate stand. Her cheeks are pink from the cold, and a candy cane peeks out of her steaming mug of cocoa.

“Mom!” She practically launches herself at me, the force almost knocking the wind out of me. A blast of warmer air, tinged with the sweet smell of chocolate, wafts from a nearby stall.

“Hey, kiddo. Good day?”

She stomps her foot. “Yes, but you’re late. We’ve been waiting forever.”

“We’ve been standing here for three minutes,” Lucy corrects her.

“Exactly—forever!” Ellie rolls her eyes.

Sloane strolls over wearing a reindeer headband. “Teenagers are terrifying,” she declares.

“Let’s not encourage her. I thought we agreed.” I raise my eyebrows.

“Well, stop wasting time. Let’s shop!” Ellie shouts over her shoulder, already heading to the next vendor.

We stroll through the market, the scent of cinnamon and roasted nuts filling the air. We eat warm pastries and pick up a few last-minute gifts. Ellie chooses a soft knitted scarf and a pair of delicate earrings for Mona. Sloane buys a tin of peppermint bark that she’s supposedly giving as a gift, though she’s halfway through it before we reach the next row of vendors.

Lucy and I wait outside a brightly lit golf shop, its warm glow a sharp contrast to the dimly lit market. Sloane and Ellie have gone inside to look for something for my dad. Lucy has her hands tucked deep in her coat pockets, and I notice she’s quieter than usual tonight.

“Claire.”

I turn and spot Daniel Mercer emerging from the crowd near the brass band, a warm smile spreading across his face. Of course he’s here. The charity he founded in honor of his late wife runs the market.

“Happy holidays, Claire.” His breath mists in the chilly air.

“Same to you.”

“I believe you know my sister, Lucy Marks.”

“Yes. Hi, Lucy. Good to see you again.”