“I need to talk to him,” I said.
We rushed back to the car.
Martin was not inside.
For one terrible second, I thought the sedan had returned. Then I saw him near the entrance, speaking to a uniformed police officer. Relief came sharp and brief.
Until Martin turned and saw the letter in my hand.
He knew.
He had always known something.
The officer approached. “Mrs. Harlan?”
I straightened. “Yes.”
“I’m Officer Ruiz. We received a call about a possible break-in at your neighbor’s residence and a welfare concern at your address. Are you safe?”
It was such a simple question.
I almost laughed.
“I don’t know,” I said honestly.
Ruiz’s expression softened without losing focus. “Your husband contacted the department ten minutes ago.”
My stomach dropped.
“What did he say?”
“He reported you and your daughter missing. He said you’ve been under severe stress and may be confused. He asked us to notify him immediately if we found you.”
Derek’s favorite move: arrive first, sound reasonable, leave me sounding unstable before I spoke.
Lily moved behind my leg.
Officer Ruiz noticed, then crouched slightly, keeping his voice gentle.
“Hi, Lily. I’m Carlos. Nobody is in trouble. Are you okay?”
Lily studied him.
Then she whispered, “Daddy lied.”
Ruiz did not rush her. “What did he lie about?”
“He said he was going on a plane,” she said. “But he didn’t. And someone hurt Mommy’s car.”
A second officer had arrived and was now speaking with Martin. Ruiz looked back at me.
“Mrs. Harlan, we’re going to check your vehicle and your home. I’d like you to come to the station voluntarily and make a statement.”
I glanced at Martin. “I need answers first.”
Martin’s shoulders sagged.
“Claire,” he said, “your father came to me the week before he died.”
Annie stared at him. “Dad?”
“He asked whether my doorbell camera still covered part of his driveway. It did. He wanted footage of Derek visiting late at night while Claire was out with her mother.”
My hands curled around the envelope.