Minutes later, Sophie returned to the table carrying gravy.
Her hands were trembling.
I wanted to pull her outside immediately, but something in her expression stopped me.
Then the napkin brushed my hand.
“Don’t leave alone.”
The crash came from beneath us seconds later.
Daniel stood.
“What was that?”
Margaret and Sophie looked at each other.
“Probably something shifting downstairs,” Margaret said.
Daniel stared at Sophie.
“Have you been in the basement?”
“No.”
The answer came too quickly.
He pushed his chair back.
“Daniel,” Margaret said sharply.
He stopped.
I reached for my purse.
“I should probably go.”
Sophie’s eyes snapped toward me.
So I added, “After dessert.”
Relief crossed her face.
That was when I understood. She wasn’t warning me about leaving alone. She was asking me not to leave without her.
After dinner, Margaret sent Sophie back into the kitchen.
I followed.
“Tell me what’s happening.”
Sophie kept rinsing plates.
“Not here.”
“Are you afraid of Daniel?”
Her hands stopped.
That was answer enough.
“I can take you home.”
“I need something first.”
“What?”
She looked toward the hallway.
“There’s a door behind the pantry shelves.”
“The basement?”
She nodded.
“Daniel was married before me.”
I stared at her.
