A three AM phone call about a locked room changed everything

and start your homework,” I said, reaching for my car keys in my pocket. “I will be back before five.”

“Is he coming home for dinner?” Chloe asked, her voice rising in that high-pitched, hopeful chatter she used whenever Alan was mentioned.

“I will ask him,” I said, watching them walk toward the back porch, their small shadows stretching long across continue reading …