Melody stepped into the house slowly, careful to make sure no one had seen her enter. She paused just past the threshold, listening for any movement. Silence. As she had expected, most of the staff had been given the weekend off—Marianne's usual habit whenever they went away.
Melody knew her mother's routines well, every little quirk and predictable decision. That knowledge had its uses. And today, it was the perfect opportunity. With the servants gone, her parents out, and Adam buried in his office work, there was every chance that Melanie would be completely alone at home. Exactly as she had hoped.
