Everything Gary had told me about Cynthia’s disappearance had been a lie.
The moment I answered, he asked where I was.
“At the airport,” I said.
There was silence.
Then his voice changed completely.
“Please tell me you didn’t take that suitcase.”
I looked toward the security officer.
It was already too late.
The final layer was removed.
I stared down at what had been hidden inside for an entire year.
And suddenly, I understood.
Everything Gary had told me about Cynthia’s disappearance had been a lie.