Her concern deepened.
By February, Jordan had started hiding food.
He didn't take large amounts.
Sometimes it was a slice of bread.
Sometimes a few crackers.
Occasionally, a banana he found in the kitchen fruit bowl.
He wasn't stealing because he wanted treats.
He was trying to make sure there would be something available if Vanessa withheld another meal.
He became careful about where he ate.
He worried that crumbs would expose him.
Once, Marcus returned home unexpectedly and found Jordan crouching beside the kitchen trash can, eating a folded piece of bread.
Marcus stopped.
"Buddy?"
Jordan looked up.
His face immediately filled with fear.
Marcus frowned.
"What are you doing down there?"
The boy tried to smile.
"Nothing."
Marcus crouched beside him.
"Why are you eating bread next to the trash?"
Jordan stared.
For a moment, he seemed ready to answer.
Then Vanessa appeared in the doorway.
"Oh, there you are."
She laughed lightly.
"Marcus, I've been trying to break him of that habit."
Marcus looked toward her.
"What habit?"
"Taking food out of the kitchen and hiding it."
She shook her head.
"I keep telling him he can have snacks if he asks properly."
Marcus turned toward Jordan.
"Son, you know you can eat at the table."
Jordan nodded quickly.
"Yes, Dad."
Marcus looked concerned.
But Vanessa stepped closer.
"We've been working on his table manners. He's been getting sneaky about food."
The boy lowered his head.
Marcus gently took the bread from his hand and placed it on a clean plate.
"Come on. Sit down and finish eating properly."
Jordan obeyed.
Vanessa watched.
Her expression remained pleasant.
But when Marcus turned away, she gave Jordan a look that made his stomach tighten.
That evening, after his father went upstairs, she leaned toward the boy.
"You almost made me look bad."
Jordan whispered.
"I'm sorry."
She stared at him.
"You're always sorry."
Then she walked away.
The old smartphone had belonged to Jordan since shortly after Grace died.
Marcus purchased it as a basic way for his son to contact family when staying with relatives or attending activities outside school.
It didn't have an expensive data plan.
Most of its functions depended on Wi-Fi.