She typed back furiously, thumbs trembling. You expect me to believe that? A moment later the reply came: Ellen, calm down. I don’t even live near anymore. His certainty unsettled her more than denial would have. I can come see it myself, he added. You’ll know it’s not me.
Ellen hesitated for hours before agreeing. She didn’t want him in her house, yet something about the steady tone, almost kind, disarmed her. Maybe confronting him in person would finally end this spiral of doubt. She sent a curt reply: Fine. Tomorrow at four.