My Apartment Burned Down. My Parents Said, “Not Our Problem.” Then the Fire Investigator Called.

service rep, Greg, according to his flat Midwestern voice, asked a question that made me pause.

“Ms. Carter, can you confirm your relationship with Richard and Patricia Carter?”

I blinked at my borrowed laptop screen. “They’re my parents—my mother and stepfather. Why?”

Silence. Too long.

“Miss Carter, I think you need to come to our office. There’s something continue reading …