Chapter 2 - The Smiling Wolf
Eleanor descended the stairs with measured steps, neither rushing nor hesitating. She tied the belt of her dark navy cardigan tightly around her waist, schooling her features into an expression of sleepy confusion. Through the leaded glass beside the door, she saw him. Julian stood on the porch, a sleek umbrella shielding his tailored suit from the drizzle.
She turned the deadbolt and pulled the door open just enough to block the entryway.
“Julian,” Eleanor said softly, letting a trace of weariness color her tone. “It’s three in the morning. What on earth has happened?”
Julian smiled, but his eyes were sharp, darting over her shoulder into the dark foyer. “I’m sorry to wake you, Eleanor. Clara and I had a foolish disagreement, and she drove off in a panic. Her phone is off. Is she here? She’s not well—the pregnancy makes her erratic.”
The lie slipped from his tongue effortlessly. Eleanor felt a sickening chill. He looked so polished, so reasonable, while upstairs her daughter lay shredded and terrified.
“She hasn’t called me,” Eleanor lied without flinching. “Should we call the police, Julian? If she’s missing in her condition, they need to search the roads immediately.”
Julian’s jaw tightened imperceptibly before his affable mask slipped back into place. “No need for that just yet. I’ll drive back along the highway. But if she turns up, Eleanor… call me first. She needs her medication.”
May you like
He stepped closer, his shadow falling over her, and that was when Eleanor noticed the jagged red scratches across his left wrist, barely hidden beneath his cuff.
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