« But whoever it was knew her name. The person on the phone sounded like her, Neil. »
« It’s a scam. AI voice cloning. »
« Obituaries are public. Social media exists. Anyone could pull that information. »
When I grabbed my keys from the hook by the door, Neil stepped in front of me.
« Babe, you can’t go, » he said, panic flashing across his face. « Please. »
« Please what, Neil? My hands were shaking, but my voice wasn’t. « If she’s dead, why are you afraid of a ghost unless she isn’t one? »
« Don’t do this, » he said quietly. « You won’t like what you find. »
« Babe, you can’t go. »
I didn’t answer. I just pushed past him and headed to the car.
The drive was a blur. I don’t remember traffic lights or stop signs and gripping the steering wheel so hard my fingers hurt. When I reached the school, I jumped out and ran inside. The receptionist looked startled to see me.
