A three AM phone call about a locked room changed everything

the counter where his keys usually lay. “The girls are upstairs.”

“Tell them I have a business trip,” he said, zipping the suitcase shut with a sharp, decisive tug. “I will call them this weekend.”

He lifted the heavy bag by the leather handle, his face completely calm, almost relieved.

“Where are you going to stay?” I asked.

He did not continue reading …