Chapter 5 — The Metal Strainer Basket
Harrison’s fingertips brushed against the curved wire of the internal drain assembly.
A faint metallic click echoed against the stainless steel walls of the basin.
He did not pull his hand away.
Instead, his thumb hooked underneath the small metal rim of the removable strainer basket.
The tiny wire mesh container was designed to catch food scraps and prevent clogs in the residential plumbing.
Evelyn watched his movements with a tight, skeptical frown.
She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, still convinced the metal insert was irrelevant.
“There is nothing in there except coffee grounds and soap scum,” Evelyn muttered, her tone laced with stubborn doubt.
Charlotte wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks with the sleeve of her sweater.
She stepped a few inches closer to the counter, her breath hitching in her throat.
Harrison applied gentle upward pressure with his thumb and forefinger.
The metal strainer basket resisted for a brief second against the rubber gasket of the drain.
Then, with a soft suction pop, the basket released from its seating.
Harrison began to lift the small wire mesh insert straight up out of the standing water.
A tiny stream of soapy water drained rapidly back down through the bottom of the wire weave.
Evelyn held her breath, her eyes suddenly locking onto the dripping metal object in her son’s hand.
The fear that the heirloom keepsake had already slipped past the drain and down into the main house pipes gripped her chest.
Harrison raised the wet metal basket up toward the overhead kitchen light.