He replied that the system retained the source recording and that he would cooperate with investigators.

At seven thirty, Rachel’s coffee maker began to hum.

I stood at the kitchen window and looked at the brightening street.

I had a wife who wanted me to come home.

I had a daughter who had finally slept without her.

For the first time, those two facts told me everything I needed to know.

PART 6

Officer Ruiz called later that morning.