Chapter 4 — Reaching Behind the Frame
Robert stepped closer to the wooden vanity.
He planted his hands on the polished surface of the desk on either side of the mirror base.
The massive wooden frame was bolted securely to the heavy desk below it.
It was a solid piece of furniture, old and heavy, meant to stay in the exact same spot for decades.
Robert leaned his upper body forward.
He angled his head to inspect the narrow gap between the heavy mirror backing and the painted wall behind it.
The lighting in the bedroom cast deep shadows along the perimeter of the carved wood.
Cobwebs and a thin layer of grey dust coated the hidden ledge where the mirror met the desk.
Beatrice stood completely still behind him.
Her breathing was shallow in the quiet room.
Chloe watched her father closely from the chair.
Her hands remained tightly clenched in her lap.
Robert reached his right arm out.
He slid his fingers into the narrow, dark crevice behind the carved molding.
The space was tighter than he expected.
He had to angle his wrist carefully to fit his hand behind the heavy timber.
His knuckles scraped against the rough plaster of the wall.
He pushed his fingers deeper into the dust.
The tip of his index finger brushed against something smooth and cool.