“Okay, let’s not jump to conclusions just yet,” Derek said, trying to sound rational. “But keep an eye on things. I’ll be back tomorrow night. We’ll talk more then.”

“Alright, Derek. I’ll be careful.”

We hung up, and I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling settling in my chest. I spent the rest of the evening pacing the house, waiting for Lindsay to return. When she finally did, it was late, and she looked startled to see me waiting in the living room.

“You’re still up?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

“I couldn’t sleep,” I replied, watching her carefully. “How was your evening?”

“It was fine,” she said quickly, avoiding my gaze. “Just caught up with a friend.”

“Which friend?” I asked, not letting up.

Lindsay hesitated, and I knew she was lying. “Just… a friend from work.”

I didn’t press her further, but I knew I was onto something. She hurried off to her room, clearly uncomfortable under my scrutiny. I could feel the tension in the air as thick as ever.

The next day, Derek called me again, this time with urgency in his voice. “Mom, I need you to do something for me. I just got a call from a buddy of mine at work. He told me something strange happened last night. A girl from a dating site was supposed to meet him, but she canceled last minute, saying she got into an accident.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Derek, what are you saying?”

“Mom, the girl he described sounded like Lindsay. He didn’t know it was her, but from what he said, I’m almost sure of it. She’s been sneaking around behind my back.”