“Has he ever used another name?” the older officer asked. The question struck her like a physical blow. Sandra stared at him, stunned. “Yes,” she whispered. “He changed his surname to his mother’s maiden name.” The officer made no comment, but she couldn’t help feeling a crack of doubt then. His explanation had seemed too ready.
“Has he ever traveled to—” the officer named the unfamiliar city from the letters, “for work or otherwise?” Sandra shook her head quickly. “No. I’m sure.” But doubt curled through her words, thinning them. The officers shared a subtle look of part concern, part confirmation that made her breath falter in her chest.