Chapter 4 - The Coffee Ring
On Thursday, Harper scrubbed the island before dawn. Claire watched her wipe around Wyatt’s coffee ring. “Why leave that?” Claire asked. Harper’s shoulders tightened. “He said it proves you only notice what belongs to other people.” Wyatt entered carrying his work boots, dressed for a noon shift. He snapped at Harper for mentioning the ring, then softened when Claire asked about his schedule. “Inventory week,” he said. Claire had designed the garage renovation and knew there was no inventory week. Wyatt knew she knew. Still, he kissed her forehead as if the lie were ordinary. Harper stared at the floor and murmured, “Don’t make a scene when you can make a plan.” Wyatt used that phrase whenever Claire pushed him for an answer. She asked Harper where she had heard it. Wyatt answered, “From me, obviously.” Harper looked relieved. Claire noticed Wyatt had defended the phrase, but not that schedule. Relief made less sense than guilt, and Claire began listening for what they were protecting.
