I left Ted's room and hurried to make myself dinner before their return. I prepared pasta and meatballs, which was one of my favorites. Though my mind was heavy as I ate, I knew I had to hurry because I had no intention of letting anyone know I'd eaten.

Fortunately, I was barely done with the dishes when I heard the cars drive in. So I quickly cleared up and returned to the room, pretending to be asleep.

George came in about twenty minutes later. He turned on the light switch after a deep, heavy sigh. “Victoria?" he called.

I stirred slowly as though I was just waking.

“Cease the...