Message 1. Tuesday, August 5th, 3:30 pm.

“So it’s looking like I really am going to be working late today. Donnie’s still not back, and I just so happen to be the next one down to handle his workload. Also got a couple of meetings lined up. Probably… Uh, probably won’t be home until ten. Don’t worry about keeping dinner warm, just make something for yourself and I’ll pick up a burger on the way home. Love you.”

Message deleted. Message 2. Tuesday, August 5th, 3:41 pm.

“Almost forgot; make sure you fill up Royce’s bowl. I forgot it on the way out. Can’t have the poor little guy going hungry, can we? Again, love you, Mara. See you at ten.”

Message deleted. Message 3. Tuesday, August 5th, 4:30 pm.

“Hey, babe, it’s me again. I’m not going to be home for a while. Donnie’s covering for me so I can get out an hour early, but just from what I can see outside, traffic’s backed up all to hell. I’ll try to make it home in time for dinner. Love you!”

Message deleted. Message 4. Tuesday, August 5th, 4:36 pm.

“Sorry to clog up the answering machine, hon. I got to the office a little late, and I’m bogged down. Might not be back ‘till midnight. Make sure Royce gets fed; I’ll handle my own dinner. See you soon, love you, bye.”

Message deleted. Message 5. Tuesday, August 5th, 4:36 pm.

“Mara, it’s Don. Did Jason leave his phone at the house? I can’t reach him. It’s kind of urgent. Call me back, soon as you can.”

Message deleted. Message 6. Tuesday, August 5th, 5:00 pm.

“I’m just reaching uptown now. Traffic’s still fucking horrible, but it looks like it’s clearing up past the light up ahead. We’ll see how it goes. Shouldn’t be too much longer, regardless. Love you.”

Message deleted. Message 7. Tuesday, August 5th, 5:25 pm.

“Hi, this is Jen from the shelter! Good news: the cat you and your husband have had your eye on has officially been cleared for adoption! If you want, we can order the tag now. The chosen name on file is “Royce”, that’s R-O-Y-C-E. If you want to change it, call us back or come back any time, it’s a real simple process. Thank you!”

Message deleted. Message 8. Tuesday, August 5th, 5:26 pm.

“Don’t feed Royce. I can do it.”

Message deleted. Message 9. Tuesday, August 5th, 5:59 pm.

“Mara, babe, I’m coming home. The rest of the work’s just files and numbers and crap, and I can just do it from the kitchen table and bring it in tomorrow. Thank the Lord. Love you, see you soon.”

Message deleted. Message 10. Tuesday, August 5th, 7:00 pm.

“Mara, I still can’t get in touch with Jason. You seriously need to call me back. I don’t want to assume the worst, but… you know. It’s been a while since his last episode. I’m just saying. Call me.”

Message deleted. Message 11. Tuesday, August 5th, 8:45 pm.

“I’m pulling past the light now. Be home soon. Love you.”

Message deleted. Message 12. Tuesday, August 5th, 9:00 pm.

“I’m pulling past the light now. Be home soon. Love you.”

Message deleted. Message 13. Tuesday, August 5th, 9:30 pm.

“Mara, it’s Don again. I found his car. He must’ve got in a wreck, folded the damn thing half over a tree. Bunch of guys have been trying to get it out for almost seven hours now. Traffic’s all backed up from it, but I don’t see him anywhere. I’ll come over right away.”

Message deleted. Message 14. Tuesday, August 5th, 10:02 pm.

“This is an automated voice message from AlertTech, calling to the home of – Jason and Mara Kellers – to inform you that your AlertTech home security system was triggered – ten – minutes ago. If you do not respond now, local police will be dispatched to your location.”

Message deleted. End of messages.