Adam's Suspicion

Before Marianne could decide what to say to make Melody see sense, or Melody try to threaten her again, a sharp knock sounded at the door followed by Adam walking in with an easy smile, a paper bag of breakfast in his hand. The smile vanished as soon as he saw Melanie standing by the window with puffy and red eyes.

He set the bag on the nearest chair, and walked around Marianne, who was frozen in the middle of the room, and reached Melanie in three long strides. "What happened? Why are you crying?" he asked in a tight voice as he searched her face.

Melanie slipped half a step back, bringing herself closer to the window. She did not answer him. Instead she tipped her chin toward Marianne. "Ask her. She will tell you."

Adam turned. The movement gave Melody another few inches toward the window sill. If Marianne spoke the truth, Melody would jump, and Marianne knew that Melody would not bluff.