MORNING came in a frenzy. At exactly 9am on the dot saw Adrian at Amelia's apartment. The house was unusually quiet. Why not? Time was meticulously planned. Hazel had left for school, Betty and the twins had stepped out for a morning walk, leaving Amelia alone with her thoughts— and her mother, quietly observing from the shadows of the living room.

He stepped out of his car, looking around the environs, nodding his head in top notch satisfaction. Amelia always had good taste. He walked up to the door and rang the doorbell, his heart fluttering with a dangerous mix of hope and relief.

Amelia opened the door at the...