Tangled in his Obsession novel Chapter 14

In the wee hours, Seraphina was sitting in the dark in Leandro's study, finishing up the last sip of her coffee.

Leandro's study offered a perfect view of Balch's house, an excellent spot for some observing. Seraphina reckoned the time was about ripe.

She yawned, ready to get up and leave, when a flicker of light caught her eye.

Surprised, she moved to the window and clearly saw a room in Balch's house was lit.

She glanced at the clock, it was 3 a.m.

Word was, there were no live-in maids or hourly workers in the Balch's residence.

So Balch might be the one turning on the light Seraphina stood quietly behind the window, watching the orange glow and the ticking clock.

Ten minutes passed, the light was still on.

Twenty minutes passed, the light didn't go out.

Thirty minutes later, Seraphina looked down to check on the time, and when she looked up again, the light went out.

At 3 a.m., when most people were tucked in bed, Balch was in a room with the light on for a solid thirty minutes.

Seraphina let out a long sigh.

Last night, she didn't tell Leandro the truth.

Her interest in Balch wasn't about some inside trading, but to uncover the truth behind the murder of Balch's wife, Janetta Lawson.

Two years ago, Balch's wife Janetta Lawson was murdered at home in Sunburst City. The cops quickly nabbed the suspect, Wilbur. Despite his pleas of innocence, Wilbur was soon found guilty due to motive, physical evidence, and witnesses. A few months later, his health deteriorated and he died in prison.

But Seraphina believed Wilbur was innocent, so she chose to return to Sunburst City to investigate.

She believed the closer she got to Balch, the closer she would be to the truth.

Maybe this 3 a.m. light was part of the truth?

Because of this thirty minutes, Seraphina stubbornly stayed in Leandro's study till dawn, keeping her eyes on the house across the street, but she didn't notice anything unusual.

Not until 7 a.m., when she saw Balch's driver arrive, and then Balch came out and got in the car.

Seraphina stayed hidden behind the window, watching the car leave. She remained still, pondering the secrets of the house across the street.

Not until she heard a slight noise behind her did she snap back to reality. Turning around, she saw Valerio standing neatly at the entrance, quietly watching her.

That's when Seraphina realized Leandro hadn't come home all night.

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