So she talked to the cops, especially Max Darrow. Whoever did this- and yeah, she was sure it was Clyde and Emma- could hurt her or kill her, but she wouldn't back down.

In the end, Clyde and Emma had not confronted her. They ran instead.

That was ten years ago now.

The girl asked, "Did you know about me?"

Kimmy nodded slowly. "Your mother told me- but only once. It hurt her too much to talk about it. You have to understand. Candi was young when it happened. Fifteen, sixteen years old. They took you away the moment you popped out. She never even knew if you were a boy or girl."

The silence hung heavy. Kimmy wished that the girl would leave.

"What do you think happened to him? Clyde Rangor, I mean."

"Probably dead," she said, though Kimmy didn't believe it. Cockroaches like Clyde don't die. They just burrow back in and cause more hurt.

"I want to find him," the girl said.

Kimmy looked up at her.

"I want to find my mother's killer and bring him to justice. I'm not rich, but I have some money."

They were both quiet for a moment. The air felt heavy and sticky. Kimmy wondered how to put this.

"Can I tell you something?" she began.

"Of course."

"Your mother tried to stand up to it all."

"Up to what?"

Kimmy pressed on. "Most of the girls, they surrender. You see? Your mother never did. She wouldn't bend. She dreamed. But she could never win."

"I don't understand."

"Are you happy, child?"

"Yes."

"You still in school?"

"I'm starting college."

"College," Kimmy said in a dreamy voice. Then: "You."

"What about me?"

"See, you're your mother's win."

The girl said nothing.

"Candi- your mother- wouldn't want you mixed up in this. Do you understand?"

"I guess I do."

"Hold on a second." Kimmy opened her drawer. It was there, of course. She didn't have it out anymore, but the photograph was right on top. She and Candi smiling out at the world. Pic and Sayers. Kimmy looked at her own image and realized that the young girl they'd called Black Magic was a stranger, that Clyde Rangor might as well have pummeled her body into oblivion too.