You Will Know Me

by Megan Abbott

smile. Instead of sitting, Katie rested her hands on the back of the wing chair, hiding her shaking legs behind it. “We already told Officer Crandall everything we know. And we’re a sick house.” We’re a sick house. Her words sounded funny to her, but they seemed to have weight, impact. That big way of talking, she’d never tried it before. Nothing on God’s green earth I wouldn’t do for my child. “Mrs. Knox,” Furey said, his neck less pink now, expression oddly tender, “we do understand. We’re here to help you.” She felt very tall, the detectives slunk so low on the ancient Sears sofa. She straightened her back. She would be ready this time. “We reviewed security-camera footage of the gym lobby,” Renton said. “And you can clearly see Miss Belfour following your daughter into the locker room.” “She was hunting her,” Katie said, “like my daughter was some kind of animal.” “But you should know Miss Belfour’s injuries far outweighed your daughter’s,” Renton added. “My daughter’s strong. She knows how to defend herself. Thank God.” Her spine tight and taut, nothing they said touched her. It was like the rival gym parents at the meets, the way they would talk, trying to diminish Devon’s achievements, cast doubt. Noting the extra time Coach T. gave her, the special privileges. You had to be above all of that. Or trample it under your feet.

late. Her head darting between the two, Katie’s eyes unfocused,