Chapter 3 - A Routine Known Too Well
Andrew and Grace had been divorced for four years.
In public, Andrew behaved like a patient father who wanted nothing more than peaceful visits with Chloe. In private, he resented every boundary Grace placed around him.
He often arrived without warning. He questioned Chloe about Grace’s work schedule. He complained whenever Daniel repaired something at the house or attended one of Chloe’s school events.
Two months earlier, Grace had changed the front-door locks after Andrew used an old key to enter while she was away.
Andrew claimed he only wanted to collect a box of photographs.
Grace had not believed him.
She had also forgotten about the garage access card.
“It could have fallen from Daniel’s pocket,” Mara suggested.
Grace shook her head.
“Daniel doesn’t have that card anymore. I replaced his with a phone code last year.”
Officer Cole placed the bag inside his case.
“Does Andrew know your daily routine?”
“He knows I work until five. He knows Chloe gets home from school at three thirty.”
“And Daniel?”
Grace looked toward her unconscious friend.
“Daniel was supposed to meet a contractor here this afternoon. Andrew shouldn’t have known that.”
Mara shifted uncomfortably beside the doorway.
Cole noticed.
“Is there something you want to tell me?”
Mara folded her arms.
“Andrew called me yesterday. He asked whether Daniel was helping Grace renovate the garage.”
Grace stared at her sister.
“You spoke to him?”
“He said it was about Chloe. I didn’t think it mattered.”
“What exactly did you tell him?”
Mara’s expression filled with regret.
“I said Daniel would probably be at the house before Grace came home.”
Grace closed her eyes.
May you like
Andrew had not guessed their routine.
Someone had given it to him.
