How can we reconcile the father's repeated desire to know his daughter-in-law's whereabouts with their agreed-upon night work, and what is the optimal Islamic legal approach in dealing with the father and the wife in this situation?

The father has no authority or guardianship over his son's wife; rather, guardianship belongs to the husband. The husband must inform his father of this gently and respectfully, while emphasizing his acceptance of his father's advice and his concern for their well-being. However, the father should not domineer over the wife or contest the husband's right of guardianship. If the husband fears his father's anger, he can seek help from relatives or righteous individuals to speak with him, while being careful to honor his father and not displease him. There is no harm in the wife leaving with her husband's permission for a need, but the default is for a woman to remain in her home.