The Drowning Child

Late wife … noo.

Teddy nodded. ‘That’s exactly how he is.’ There was a look of resignation in her eyes, and for a brief moment, a spark of anger at the realization.

‘Did that bother you?’ said Ruddock.

‘I’m used to it,’ said Teddy. ‘I didn’t mind. That’s his way.’

She shrugged, but in a way that indicated she wanted the questions on her marriage to stop. Ren and Ruddock locked eyes.

Yes …let’s not push it.

For now.

‘Teddy,’ said Ren. ‘Did you ever get the sense that Caleb didn’t like to be left alone with his father?’

‘No – never,’ said Teddy. ‘Absolutely not.’

‘Has John ever gotten physical with Caleb?’ said Ren.

‘No.’

‘Have you ever felt that he came close to that point?’ said Ren.

Teddy shrugged. ‘What is “close”? I can say to you that I do not think John would ever lay a finger on Caleb.’

Why am I unconvinced?

Possibly because you are.

‘Was there any particular behavior in Caleb that angered John?’

‘All the standard things that twelve-year-olds get in trouble with their parents for,’ said Teddy. ‘They’re the same things that would have bothered me. Maybe John is more stern about it, but I think fathers of boys need to be.’

‘Has there been any change in Caleb’s behavior over the past few months?’ said Ren.

Teddy gave it careful thought. ‘No, not really.’

‘Not really?’

‘No,’ said Teddy with more conviction. ‘No.’

‘There are scuff marks on the inside of Caleb’s bedroom door,’ said Ren, ‘and the doorjamb looks damaged. Did you ever lock Caleb in?’

‘Oh my God – no,’ said Teddy. ‘Absolutely not. I’ve never even seen a key for that door.’

‘OK,’ said Ren.

After a moment, she spoke again. Deep breath. ‘Teddy, how are things in your marriage?’

She frowned. ‘They’re good – why?’

‘These are the questions we need to ask,’ said Ren. ‘I’m sure you understand.’

She nodded, but it was clear that she didn’t want to sign up for that line of questioning.

‘Are you and John happy?’ said Ren.

Teddy raised her eyebrows.

Oh, happiness is a tricky one, isn’t it? Are people ever truly happy? That’s depressing.

Ben. Everett. Robbie.

My happiness is over; I’ve had my life’s share.

Is this how I feel now?

Jesus.

Christ.

‘Yes,’ said Teddy. ‘I mean, life … is life, really, isn’t it? Am I living a wild adventure every day? No.’

‘I’m not thinking adventure,’ said Ren. ‘I’m just thinking of your relationship with your husband – are you getting along? Have there been any arguments? Are there any issues?’

Teddy gave a small shrug. ‘No.’

‘Have you noticed any changes in your husband’s behavior or mood recently?’ said Ren.

‘No,’ said Teddy.

Ooh: I don’t believe you.

13 (#ulink_24f7f0e9-fb09-57ad-be32-7033e472ef10)

Teddy Veir shifted in her seat like a child at the principal’s office.

‘Teddy, did you monitor Caleb’s online activity?’ said Ren.

‘Yes,’ said Teddy.

‘And was he aware of the dangers of being online?’

‘We talked about it, yes,’ said Teddy. ‘Any time we brought it up, he made us feel stupid for thinking he would ever fall for any kind of weirdo who would try to meet up with him. Caleb knows that people aren’t necessarily who they say they are online.’

Oh, how many times I’ve seen that change when the right fake messages or the right fake photographs are sent.

‘Did you find something?’ said Teddy.