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“I’m documenting everything you reported, and we’ll refer the matter to a detective. Has your husband ever threatened you?”

“No.”

“Does he know you followed him?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Without physical evidence or a victim connected to that location, we can’t arrest him based on your statement alone. A detective will contact you shortly. Until then, do not confront your husband. Try to act as normal as possible, and call 911 if you believe you or your children are in immediate danger.”

I nodded like a puppet, signed the forms they placed in front of me, and left the station before I could collapse in the lobby.

I drove toward the school in a panic, suddenly remembering the time and realizing I was nearly late for pickup on their very first day. The thought of the boys waiting there alone after everything I had just reported sent my anxiety spiraling.

I couldn’t run yet.

Where would I even go? My father was dead. I had sold the old property, so there was nothing left for me to return to. Leanne was somewhere in Europe, traveling between modeling jobs and movies. She’d been so busy that we hadn’t spoken in months. Even if I could reach her, I couldn’t drag her into this. Richard knew how much she meant to me, and I refused to place her in his path.

I had no other friends, no safety net, and nowhere safe to hide. All I had were the boys waiting for me at school.

I pulled up just in time and forced my voice to remain calm.

“Hey, guys,” I called as they climbed into the car. “How was school?”

Seth shrugged. “It was okay. The science teacher seems cool.”

Luke launched into a full recount. “We had recess and I made a friend and we played tag and I didn’t get in trouble once.”

“That’s great, sweetie,” I said, forcing a laugh that almost sounded real. “I’m so proud of you both. Tell me everything on the way home.” I kept them talking the whole drive, using their chatter as a shield.

The house smelled like roasted chicken when we walked in. The staff had finished preparing dinner and left it warming in the kitchen. Richard was in the dining room setting the table. I stopped short in the doorway, the normalcy of it clashing violently with the memory of blood and bone.

“You’re home early,” I said.

Richard looked up and smiled. “The staff made dinner before they left. I figured I could handle setting the table. I’ve been working the boys pretty hard lately, so I wanted to do something nice for you, Samantha. How were they at school?”

The boys rushed him with hugs. I stood there watching the perfect husband and father scene while the image of him humming over the woman’s body burned behind my eyes.

“They were great,” I managed. “They adjusted really well.”

We sat down to eat. Richard cut another piece of chicken, took a slow sip of wine, then studied me across the table, his eyes sharp even as his tone stayed light.

“So tell me more about your day, Samantha. You didn’t go to your art class?”

“No,” I said carefully. “I decided to come home early instead.”

He watched me for a long moment before speaking again. “Everything all right? You seem a little quiet tonight.”

“I’m fine,” I replied, forcing another bite of chicken. “Just tired from getting the boys settled. How was your day at the office?”

“Busy as usual,” he said smoothly. He took another sip of wine. “Closed that big account I told you about. I thought we could celebrate a little with dinner.” His gaze lingered. “You sure nothing is bothering you? You look pale.”

“It’s just been a long day,” I said, keeping my eyes on my plate. “The boys had a wonderful time though. Luke made a new friend already.”

He cut off another piece of chicken and chewed thoughtfully. “You know you can talk to me, right? We’ve always been honest with each other. If something is wrong, I would rather hear it now than let it fester.”

I forced a smile. “Nothing is wrong. Really. I think I’m just overwhelmed with the new school and everything.”

He nodded slowly, but his gaze never left me.