Patricia’s family was prominent in Charlotte.

Her late husband had been a corporate lawyer with deep roots in the city.

She would not take this lightly.

She would blame me for ruining her son’s life.

“I need to protect Rowan,” I said, my voice strengthening.

“That is my only priority.”

“We are going to help you do that,” Sarah said.

“But we need to secure the scene.”

“We need to document the state of the house before any changes are made.”

“Officer Miller is sending a team back to your address.”

I thought of our quiet suburban street, the neat brick house with the manicured lawn.

Now there would be police cruisers parked in the driveway.

The neighbors would be watching from behind their curtains.

“Is the house locked now?” Officer Miller asked.

“Arthur said he pulled the door shut, but the window is broken,” I said.

“My purse is here, but Landon’s sister has a key to the front door.”

The realization hit me suddenly, like a cold splash of water.

“Vanessa,” I said.

“What about Vanessa?” Sarah asked.