I get home later than I plan to.
Traffic drags and the calls ran long. Nothing unusual. By the time I pull into the driveway, the house is already lit the way it always is in the evening. Warm lights in the front hall. Margaret's doing, most likely, it settles something in me as I step out of the car.
I walk inside and shrug off my jacket, hanging it where it belongs.
"Elaine," I call out, not loud. Just enough to announce myself.
No answer, which is kind of normal for her.
I don't think anything of it at first. She's been distant since yesterday and Keeping to herself. Either in her room or somewhere with Margaret or with her girls. I head toward the kitchen, expecting to see her at the counter or sitting at the small table, maybe pretending not to notice me.
But the kitchen is empty.
