The main house was hushed, lit only by the dim night light in the front entry.

As I went past the master bedroom, I saw that the heavy wooden door had been left open two inches.

Renee’s voice came through the gap, clear, clipped, and cold.

“She’s been here eighteen months, Daniel, and the utility numbers just keep climbing.”

I halted on the carpet runner, holding the pile of warm, clean towels flat to my chest.

“She helps look after Chloe and Caleb, Renee,” Daniel said from inside the room.