Chapter 4 — Examining the Drain Assembly
Harrison’s fingers wrapped firmly around the chrome handle of the faucet.
With a single quick turn, he shut off the water completely.
The sharp, hissing sound of rushing tap water cut out instantly.
The sudden silence in the kitchen was profound.
Only the faint drip of a lingering droplet echoing in the stainless steel basin broke the quiet.
Evelyn’s sharp breathing slowed for a fraction of a second.
Charlotte stood frozen by the pantry door, her red eyes fixed entirely on her father’s back.
Harrison did not look up to meet either of their gazes.
He bent his knees slightly to lower his eye level to the rim of the sink.
The swirling pool of water in the basin rapidly drained away through the central mesh basket.
A thin layer of soap foam slid down the interior walls of the sink.
Harrison brought his right hand down toward the drain opening.
His fingers hovered just above the wet metal rim.
Evelyn shifted her weight uneasily on the floor tiles.
“Harrison, stop playing in the drain and help me retrace where she could have hidden it,” Evelyn demanded, her voice losing a fraction of its sharp certainty.
Harrison ignored the command entirely.
He extended his index finger and thumb straight down into the center of the drain basket.
His fingers felt around the inner rim of the sink drain, pressing carefully against the small metal mesh walls.