I turned the SUV onto the long, tree-lined driveway of the estate.

I turned off the headlights.

I did not want Vance to see me approaching.

The massive stone house stood dark against the stormy sky.

The only light was a faint yellow glow coming from the window of my private study.

I parked on the wet grass near the side entrance.

I stepped out into the cold rain, the wind whipping my coat around my legs.

I walked quickly toward the kitchen door.

It was the entrance Ruth always used.

I reached for the brass handle.

The door was unlocked.

I slipped inside and closed it quietly behind me.

The kitchen was dark and smelled of lavender soap and old wood.

“Ruth?” I whispered.

There was no answer.

The house was incredibly quiet, save for the sound of rain drumming on the slate roof.

I walked through the dining room.

My eyes adjusted to the shadows.

A chair had been knocked over near the sideboard.

A silver tray lay on the rug.

I moved toward the grand staircase that led to the children’s rooms.