Chapter 1 - TUESDAY'S COMPARTMENT
Russell Grant was trying to find a missing package.
That was how it began.
Arthur sat at Russell’s kitchen table while rain tapped against the windows.
“I don’t care about the package,” Arthur said.
“You said somebody took it.”
“I said I misplaced it.”
Russell looked at him.
“Elaine said you misplaced it.”
Arthur’s jaw tightened.
That sentence had become too common.
Elaine said you forgot.
Elaine said you took it.
Elaine said you promised.
Elaine said the doctor already told you.
Arthur had begun keeping notes in his phone because he no longer trusted memory alone.
Russell opened his security archive.
The side camera covered part of Arthur’s driveway and garage entrance.
“Here.”
Elaine appeared on-screen carrying Arthur’s weekly pill organizer.
Arthur leaned closer.
“What is she doing?”
A silver sedan pulled into the drive.
A man got out.
Gray hair.
Dark coat.
Careful posture.
Elaine handed him the organizer.
The man opened it.
Monday.
Tuesday.
He removed something from his pocket.
Dropped it into Tuesday’s compartment.
Arthur stood.
“What the hell is he putting in my medicine?”
Russell froze the frame.
Then zoomed in.
His face changed.
“Don’t go home.”
Arthur turned toward him.
“What?”
Russell pointed at the screen.
“I know that man.”
Arthur looked again.
“Who?”
“Martin Vale.”
The name meant nothing for half a second.
Then everything.
Elaine had once spoken about a Martin.
Her first husband.
Arthur remembered exactly what she said.
He died young. Pharmacy accident. Awful period. I don’t like discussing it.
Arthur stared at Russell.
“Elaine said her first husband died.”
Russell looked him straight in the eyes.
“She lied.”
Arthur’s mouth went dry.
“How do you know him?”
Russell closed the laptop.
“Because twenty years ago, I helped investigate the case that ended his pharmacy career.”
Arthur sat slowly.
“What case?”
Russell did not answer immediately.
That frightened Arthur more than the footage.
Finally:
“Prescription records. Elderly clients. Estate disputes.”
Arthur felt his pulse change.
“My medication?”
Russell nodded.
“We don’t touch anything until police see it.”
Arthur looked toward his own dark house through the rain.
Elaine was there.
May you like
His pills were there.
And for the first time, the place he called home looked like evidence.
