I called it a pattern.
That’s why, months earlier, I’d stopped trusting coincidence.
And I’d started collecting evidence.
—
When the Honda finally stopped after clipping the mailbox, Ava sat frozen beside me.
« Mom… »
« It’s okay, » I whispered, even though my hands wouldn’t stop shaking.
I stepped into the rain.
Brake fluid dripped beneath the rear of the car.
The brake line had been cut.