“I’ve got to lock the deadbolt now, ma’am,” he said.

“The owner was very clear that no old keys are to work after noon.”

I reached into my pocket and touched the cold edge of my silver pendant, turning it over twice in my fingers.

“Can I go in and get my clothes?” I asked.

“He left two empty hard-shell suitcases out on the back porch,” Clara said.

“At ten o’clock he told the neighborhood association board you were moving down to Canton to live with family.”

I went around the side of the house to the back porch.