When Madeleine opened her bedroom door, she had expected to see a complete mess, but to her surprise, the room was quite tidy. The large bed was made with red sheets and quilts, with only a few wrinkles present. The carpet was clean, and she didn't see any used contraceptives lying around.
Staring blankly for a moment, Madeleine went into the bathroom, took a casual shower to rinse off her sweat, changed into clean clothes, grabbed her purse and car keys, as well as the gifts she bought for The Triplets the night before, then left the bedroom.
Madeleine wasn't startled that she didn't see Howard at home when she returned. She assumed that he had left with those two women he'd been with, but as soon as she opened the bedroom door, she saw the door to his study across the hall also open, and Howard, wearing his pajamas, walked out.
Madeleine was immediately stunned. Was he actually home?