I married Jonah for money while he was serving twelve years in prison. At first, I told myself it was just paperwork to keep my brother-safe. But when Jonah walked free and opened a black box on my kitchen table, I learned his mother had chosen me for a reason.

« Is it bad, Sadie? »

Owen didn’t smile.

Two hours later, I got a call from a woman who worked for Celeste, the mother of a prisoner named Jonah. Celeste had gotten my name through legal aid after I applied for help with rent and Owen’s guardianship papers.

That should’ve made me hang up.

Instead, I listened because desperate people always listen one second too long.

My landlord wanted rent, Owen needed shoes, and pride had never paid an electric bill, I didn’t have a choice.

So I went to meet her.

Owen didn’t smile.

Celeste’s office smelled like lemon polish and money.

« I have a shift in an hour, » I said.