Page 22 of The Instruments of Darkness

“To be honest, I didn’t want to sit with a stranger and talk about my feelings.”

To be honest: the liar’s crutch.

“You’re doing okay at it now.”

He gave me a death’s-head grin.

“Circumstances have changed.”

“Yes,” I said, “they have. Could your aversion to couples therapy also be related to the fact that you felt your marriage couldn’t be saved, and you were unwilling to prolong the inevitable?”

He didn’t immediately reply. He was smart enough to be able to spot someone trying to outsmart him, but not smart enough to protect himself by not talking.

“That’s very perceptive,” he said. “I wouldn’t argue with the diagnosis. By the way, I’m waiting.”

“For what?”

“For you to ask me about the affair, if you want to dignify it with that name.”

“What would you call it?”

“A fling. A drunken mistake.”

“So you regretted it?”

“Of course. I take no pride in having cheated on my wife, whatever our difficulties. I erred once, but it was still a lousy way to behave.”

“My information is that it was more than a one-night stand.”

“You don’t beat around the bush, do you?”

“With respect,” I said, “you brought it up.”

“I suppose I did. You think I’ll get asked about this if I’m called to give evidence?”

“It’s conceivable.”

“I’d better get over my shame, then,” said Clark.

“If it helps, I’m not here to judge you, and you won’t be the one on trial.”

“But her lawyer might try to make me look bad so Colleen will look better.”

“Your wife has been charged with killing her child,” I said. “Your brief affair may represent a moral failing in some eyes, but not a criminal one.”

“Then I don’t have to answer any questions about it?”

“Are you asking about mine, or anticipating those that may arise during the trial?”

“Let’s say both.”

“You don’t have to talk to me,” I said, “but the fact that we’re here suggests you don’t mind, and you have nothing to hide beyond a certain level of discomfort with your failings.” I let that hook hang in the water. I didn’t even twitch the line. “If you’re called as a witness, it’s conceivable that the subject of your affair may be raised, most likely by the defense. The prosecution will object, but sustaining or overruling that objection will be a matter for the judge. So, in your position, I’d be preparing answers.”

“That’s very forthright of you,” said Clark, “seeing as how you’re working for my wife.”

“I have no interest in tricking or misleading you, Mr. Clark. My job is to ensure that the defense has any and all information that may be relevant to the case. I sometimes think I ought to have a clipboard for these occasions, with a series of forms to be filled in. It’s procedure, that’s all.”

Sometimes, I surprised even myself when it came to dissimulation.

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