The plan had begun after a conversation that refused to leave his mind. A month earlier, he had announced that he needed to leave for an extended business trip, a story supported by a professional actor who answered calls and emails in his name. It was an elaborate lie built for one purpose only. Michael needed to know what happened in his absence, because something in his children had changed.
“If you ignore me again,” Patricia said sharply, pointing at Abigail, “you will go to bed without dinner. Perhaps hunger will teach you respect.”
Abigail nodded quickly, her gaze fixed on the floor. “Yes, ma’am,” she whispered.
Patricia turned on her heel and stormed toward the patio door. She nearly collided with Michael as he trimmed the hedges directly outside.
“Watch yourself,” she barked. “I do not pay you to stand in my way. These bushes look uneven. Are you blind.”
“I am sorry, ma’am,” Michael replied quietly, lowering his head. His voice was steady, but inside his heart pounded with fury. She barely glanced at him, already dismissing his existence as she walked away.