“He’s suspected of murdering his mistress.” I hold eye contact with Eleanor, hoping she’ll understand what I’m saying, hoping she’ll see that Adam isn’t as flawless as she thought he was. Maybe she can think clearly about this.

She squints for a moment, then she relaxes. “He cheated on you?” she asks. The connection is obvious, but I’m sure she just wants me to say it out loud.

I nod.

She turns her head away from me, her chin raised. I would say she turns her nose up, but it’s permanently turned up. Eleanor sighs. “Well, I’d like to see him. I’ll need to get all the facts from Adam.” She looks back at me.

I nod again. “He’s being held at the hospital in Prince William County.”

“What? Why?”

“He was involved in an altercation at the sheriff’s station last night,” I say. I don’t go into any more detail.

“My poor son. Why didn’t you tell me this from the beginning?”

Anne pops her head in. “Sarah, you’ve got to go if you’re going to meet Sheriff Stevens in time.”

“Sheriff Stevens? Why aren’t you going to see Adam?” Eleanor questions.

I stand from my seat, and she stands from hers, flipping her bag over her shoulder dramatically.

“I’m going to look at the crime scene, but I’m visiting Adam after.” I finish gathering my belongings.

“I’ll go with you.” It’s not a suggestion. It’s a demand.

“You can’t. It’s a crime scene. Why don’t you just go get settled, get something to eat, and I’ll text you later.” I toss my tote bag over my shoulder. “Anne can help you.”

“I don’t need any help,” Eleanor says defiantly.

“Okay, but I’ve got to go. I’ll check in with you later, Eleanor.” I quickly walk toward my office door. I say to Anne as I pass, “I’m not sure I’ll make it back here today, but if I don’t, I’ll call you.”

“Oh, yes. You go. I’ll take care of everything,” Anne says.

“I’ll be seeing you, Sarah,” Eleanor calls from behind and then all I hear are the clicks and the clacks of her heels.

* * *

An hour later, I’m pulling up to the lake house. Sheriff Stevens’s vehicle is parked in the driveway, and he’s leaned up against the side of it, dressed in his sheriff’s uniform up top and blue jeans. He’s wearing a pair of aviators and carrying a folder, and when he sees my vehicle, he smiles. I park behind him and get out of the car.