A three AM phone call about a locked room changed everything

sneakers squeaking on the green linoleum.

“I want to stay here on Thursdays,” Chloe said.

“You will stay here,” I said, holding her hand until she stopped hopping.

After the girls went to bed, I drove to the brick duplex where Stacey had rented a small apartment.

The living room smelled of fresh paint and cardboard boxes, with only a continue reading …