I needed to get Rose out of the house before Richard did something worse.

And I needed to collect what I required.

“Rose,” I said, turning to her. “Maybe you should leave.”

Rose looked at me, betrayal flashing in her eyes.

“Evelyn, no,” she whispered.

“Just go,” I said, trying to project a coldness I didn’t feel.

I needed her to trust me, but more than that, I needed Richard to think I was backing down.

“I’ll handle this,” I added, giving her a look I hoped she would understand.

Rose stared at me for a long moment.

She slowly slipped the brass key back into her pocket.

“He’s lying to you, Evelyn,” she said. “He’s been lying to you every single day.”

“I know,” I said.

Richard watched us from the sink, a towel in his hands.

He looked satisfied, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

“Show her out, Evelyn,” he said.

I walked Rose to the front door in silence.

The air in the hallway was cold, smelling of old wood and the rain outside.

When we reached the door, Rose turned to me.