Act completely normal.

Chapter 14 — The Bait

That afternoon, Veronica caught Alvin stepping out of the back shed, and her eyes narrowed instantly with suspicion.

“What were you doing out there, Alvin?”

Before Alvin could answer, Carmen stepped out behind him carrying a basket of laundry.

“He was just helping me carry the linen sheets, Veronica,” she said smoothly, and Alvin marveled, quietly, at his mother, who had lived under this woman’s thumb for months and had lost none of her wits.

Veronica offered a tight, forced smile.