Chapter 19: Ragtag
Elliot frowned, setting his fork down with a soft clink. "This late? Didn't she know I was coming back today?"
Myra, sitting across the table, was quick to jump in. "Well, Mom told her the last time she came home, and we've been trying to reach her, but she won't pick up. I even reminded her at school today, and she said she knew you were coming."
Elliot's frown deepened, his brows knitting together in a way that made the atmosphere in the room turn heavy. His voice lowered, but the sharp edge was unmistakable. "The last time she came home? What do you mean by that, Myra?"
Myra froze, the casual confidence she had shown just moments ago dissipating in an instant. She swallowed, her voice faltering as she spoke. "Uh, I... S-she..."
She trailed off, avoiding her father's gaze, her fingers fidgeting with the napkin in her lap.
Elliot's eyes bore into her, his patience wearing thin. "Do you want me to repeat my question, Myra?" His voice was calm, but the warning was clear.
Myra glanced quickly toward Marianna, who was silent, her face a perfect mask of composure, though her eyes flashed with a warning of their own—Myra needed to handle this carefully.
The lie had to be perfect.
"I-I just meant," Myra stammered, "that she hasn't been around much lately, both at home and at school. She's been spending more time with her new friends, who are mostly guys, and, well, she's been staying out later than usual. Sometimes, she doesn't come home. She's also been failing in school..." Myra finished weakly, her voice trailing off as her father's expression darkened.
Elliot sat back in his chair, his jaw tightening. He looked from Myra to Marianna, as if trying to gauge whether they were telling him the truth.
"When did this start?"