Chapter 5

Something about the sentence bothered him: not enough to argue, not enough to question, just enough to remember.The rest of the drive passed in silence. By the time they reached the estate along Lake Michigan, darkness had settled over the city. The mansion stood illuminated against the night sky: tall windows glowed with warm golden light—perfect landscaping, perfect architecture, perfect appearances. Just like Claire.Robert helped Ethan out of the SUV and into the house. Claire kissed his forehead. "I'll bring your medication in an hour."Medication. The word suddenly sounded heavier than it should have. Ethan pushed the thought away: he was being ridiculous. A child made a strange comment—that was all.Yet long after Claire left the room, Maya's face stayed in his mind. Especially the way she had looked at Claire: as if she knew something, as if she'd seen something, as if adults were the only people who didn't understand what was happening.Across the city, Maya Carter was washing soup bowls in the basement kitchen of St. Matthew's Church. The room smelled like bread, onions, and dish soap. Metal trays clattered; volunteers laughed while stacking chairs. The Saturday meal service had finally ended.Most children Maya's age would have been home watching cartoons. But Maya wasn't most children. She dried another bowl and placed it on a shelf."You're still working?" Her mother smiled from across the room.Denise Carter looked exhausted. She always looked exhausted; working two jobs had a way of doing that. Yet, she still smiled more than most people Maya knew."Almost done," Maya said.Denise walked over and brushed a loose curl away from her daughter's face. "You helped enough today.""I know.""And?""Then why are you still here?"Maya glanced toward the church windows, thinking. Denise recognized that look immediately."What happened?""Nothing.""Maya."The little girl sighed. "There was a man in the park."Denise smiled. "That's usually where people are.""The man in the wheelchair.""Oh." Now she remembered; several volunteers had mentioned seeing a wealthy businessman nearby. "He seemed sad."Denise nodded. "People can be sad."

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