They arrived at Ethan and Claire’s house on the evening of January second.
Ethan had changed the locks earlier that day.
When Diane discovered her key no longer worked, she pounded on the door.
“Ethan! Open this door!”
He opened it but did not step aside.
Diane wore Claire’s shawl.
Brooke carried the designer handbag.
Jason looked tired and embarrassed.
Ben stood behind them clutching his backpack.
When he saw Ethan, the boy rushed forward.
“Uncle Ethan, I’m sorry! I didn’t know Aunt Claire was alone.”
Ethan crouched and hugged him.
“You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Ben pulled a folded hotel napkin from his pocket. On it, he had drawn Claire holding Lily beneath a large yellow sun.
“I made this for the baby.”
“It’s beautiful,” Ethan said. “Thank you.”
He called a neighbor, Mrs. Alvarez, who had already offered to help. Ben happily went next door to eat cookies and play with her grandson while the adults talked.
Only then did Ethan allow Diane, Brooke, and Jason inside.
The living room television was on.
Paused across the screen was the security footage showing them carrying Claire’s food toward the door.
Diane stopped walking.
Brooke’s face lost its color.
Jason stared at the floor.
Ethan placed several printed documents on the coffee table.
Credit-card statements.
Receipts.
The canceled nursing contract.
A list of expenses totaling $12,640.
