Then he found a medical article discussing repeated exposure to certain substances capable of damaging the inner ear. Ototoxic exposure. The words stayed on the screen.

Graham thought of the ringing that appeared most often after dinner. He thought of Vanessa’s tea.

Then he felt ashamed. Suspicion was easy. Evidence was harder. A frightened child’s warning was not proof that the woman he loved was poisoning him.

Chapter 3 — Breakfast

At six the next morning, Graham entered the kitchen to make coffee. The estate was quiet, pale light spreading across the marble counters. He had just lifted his blue ceramic mug when he noticed Lily standing in the doorway.

She wore pink pajamas and held the same injured rabbit.

Good morning, he signed. Lily’s face brightened. Good morning. Are you hungry? She nodded.