Page 106 of From Air

“What do you remember about your dad?”

I shrug. “He worked for NASA. And after he died, my mom moved us to Miami.”

“You remember that?”

“No. She told me that.”

“I don’t know, Jamie. Maybe you should show him a picture of your mom.”

I don’t relish the idea of sharing any personal information with him for many reasons. I just never thought one reason would be that I’m possibly related to him.

“What if he recognizes the picture?”

Pressing her lips together, Melissa’s eyes widen until she blows a lengthy breath out her nose in awhoosh. “I don’t know. Does he have family? Maybe you could get something from them.”

“No one’s ever met any of his family.”

“Shit.”

“The only person who knows the truth is mentally unwell. Confused. And often delusional.”

“What is his full name? I’m going to see what I can find on him.”

“I feel like I’ve already said too much. I’m going to get fired.”

“Yeah, Jamie. You should be more concerned about your job than knowing who your mom was.”

I pick at a stray feather from one of my pillows. “Dwight Keane. A bear killed his wife. He chased the bear but lost the hunt. Until ... he burned down thirty-two thousand acres of wildland to avenge her death.”

“That’s . . .” Her nose wrinkles.

“Tragic.”

She nods.

My phone vibrates.

Fitz: I’m here. Are u able to open the doors for me? Or can Melissa do it?

“Oh my god. No!” I show my screen to Melissa.

She smiles. “I knew he’d do the right thing.”

“What? No! He can’t see me like this. Please don’t let him in. I’m begging you.” Before I finish my desperate plea, she’s pressing the button to let him into the building.

“You’re not that vain. I’m sure he’s seen worse.”

I want to cry. It’s not vanity. I’m not worried about not wearing makeup or having a stain on my shirt. My nose is broken. I have two black eyes, and one is swollen shut. I’m nearly unrecognizable in the worst way.

Melissa opens my apartment door, and I throw a blanket over my body.

“Hey, you didn’t have to come, but I’m sure Jamie is thrilled to see you.”

She’s a liar. We are no longer friends.

“Hi, where is—” Fitz stops midsentence.

It’s quiet.

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