Chapter 69

SIXTY-NINE

Ellie and Derrick divided up to search the Woodston house, pausing to listen for signs someone was inside. But there was only the soft whir of the heater and the whisper of the clock ticking off the minutes in the silence.

Derrick veered into the office to the right of the kitchen while Ellie surveyed the space. The white quartz counters gleamed, housing an expensive coffee pot and espresso system. A few canned goods, boxed items and gourmet crackers filled the pantry along with other staples. The refrigerator held milk, orange juice, assorted cheeses, raw vegetables and caviar. The freezer was stocked with steaks, a pork tenderloin and scallops, all fine-dining type ingredients.

No kids' cereal, mac and cheese, Goldfish, kid-friendly foods or snacks anywhere in sight. No kids' artwork on the sleek fridge.

She checked the garbage. Empty. Next, she checked cabinet drawers and found the usual items. Silverware, dishes, wine glasses and high ball glasses.

The liquor cabinet held wine, port, a bottle of Woodford Reserve and mixers.

The living room looked modern although cold and sterile with no homey blankets, toys, games or kids' books. Although there was a wedding photo of Claire and her husband Joel on the mantle.

She climbed the stairs and found three bedrooms. The first one was small with a queen bed and nightstand and a closet which looked as if it was barely used. The next bedroom and its attached closet were empty. She turned in a wide arc, thinking something was off about the room.

If the twins had lived here with Claire and her husband, why were there no signs of either little girl anywhere in the house?

The room also smelled of fresh paint.

Hmm…

She left the room and went to the master bedroom which held a king bed with a white comforter, a cherry dresser and a plush velvet chair in the corner.

Everything in the house looked pristine and neat, almost as if it wasn't lived in, as if it had been staged.

She searched the room and closet and finally found something wedged into the corner at the top of the closet. She tugged at it and pulled it down, then realized it was a box of mementos. Ellie opened it and found homemade cards decorated with paper and ribbon.

In one heart-shaped Valentine card there was a picture of Claire holding the twins on her lap.

Ellie read the childlike writing:

Happy Valentine's Day, Mommy

We love you!

Taylor and Heidi.

Ellie traced a finger over the picture. Another sign indicating Claire was the twin's mother.

Only Claire was not here.

Suspicions mounted in Ellie's mind. The fact that no children's items were present, the strong scent of bleach and fresh paint…

Someone had covered up the fact that the girls had ever been here.