Chapter 4

On day seven, I went to Michael's house.

The purpose was simple: to test Ruth.

Before retirement, Ruth had been a department store floor manager. Sharp as they come.

Michael's entire social life was arranged by her. Even what we ate on our first date—she decided that.

She said Michael was shy and needed her help.

That afternoon, Ruth was cutting fruit in the kitchen while I flipped through photo albums on the coffee table in the living room.

"What do you think about this dessert table for the reception? Should we switch to this two-tier one?"

"Sure, whatever you…