The deadbolt slid into place with a heavy metal click.

Eleanor stood frozen on the concrete step.

She stared at the brass door knocker for a long time.

Then she turned around and walked back down the path in complete silence.

She opened the passenger door of the Buick and sat down.

I got behind the wheel and turned the key in the ignition.

“Eleanor, listen to me,” I said.

“He’s hiding something huge from us.”