We sent them to the lab this morning.”

“Caleb always wears gloves when he is working in the yard,” I said.

“These were hidden under the spare tire,” Sloan said.

“We will let you know when the results come back.”

After she left, the apartment was completely silent.

I stood by the kitchen counter, my eyes falling on my purse where the blue velvet jewelry box still sat inside, heavy and cold.

I unzipped the bag and took the box out.