Page 35 of One Last Lie

“Speaking of learning things,” Cecilia said, “I’ve thought about what you said about the children’s schooling. I think they should return to school. So, I’m taking them back today.”

I blink. “Today?”

“Yes. Those were some of the phone calls I made as well. The schools expect them this morning.”

“Oh. Well. I’ll speak to Javier, and…”

“No. You should take the day off. You’ve worked very hard, and the children are blooming under your care. You’ve earned some time to yourself.”

“Oh, Cecilia. That’s kind, but—”

“I insist. Besides, it’s their first day back at school. I want to be there to encourage them.”

Her eyes show genuine love, genuine grief. It can’t be possible that she’s responsible for their father’s death.

I smile again, and this time, I don’t have to force it. “I understand. Thank you.”

“Of course. I’ll leave Javier at your disposal today. I prefer to drive my own car.”

“Oh. Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I wasn’t always a rich man’s wife, you know. I never really got used to having everything done for me. It’s nice to have some control over my own life for once.”

And just like that, my suspicions are raised again.

So it’s freedom she wants. I’m reminded of an old parable I read of a bird in a gilded cage. Surrounded by finery and given the best care possible, yet it wastes away and dies because no amount of wealth can sweeten its captivity.

My head starts to hurt. I can’t wrestle with this problem and still maintain decorum in front of Cecilia. “Thank you, Cecilia. I look forward to hearing about the children’s first day back at school.”

I turn to leave, and she grabs my arm. I suppress a shiver and smile down at her.

“Thank you, Mary. You’re a good friend.”

Her words stay with me as I leave the house and head toward the garage. I’ve never been to the building since the car always picks me up and drops me off at the porch, but today, I hope to avoid Javier.

Javier is asleep when I arrive, and I breathe a sigh of relief. The garage has spots for twelve vehicles, and all are filled. I count two boats, one small, two-seat helicopter—how they got it into the garage, I have no idea—and nine cars.

One is the car that picks me up. I gamble that it’s not the same car that Miss Cecilia intends to drive and leave a note for Javier on the desk by the front to let him know I’ve taken the car for the next few hours and will return it.

The key is in the center console of the sedan, and after some trial and error, I learn which buttons operate the garage door. I feel a strange rush of freedom as I proceed down the drive and through more trial and error learn which button activates the gate.

Perhaps Cecilia’s feelings are just as innocent.

***

I’m not sure where I’m going until I pull into the parking lot of Happy Healthcare Pharmacy and RX. I’m not entirely sure if I still suspect Simon Trent of Johnathan’s murder, or if I only want to dispel my suspicion of Cecilia and choose him to be the focus of my investigation for the moment.

Either way, I am strangely grateful to see him blanche when he catches me walking inside. With much the same purposefulness as I show the day before when I confront Theresa, I stride toward him. He looks around desperately for someone else to occupy his time, but I reach him before he can find a convenient excuse.

I lift my bandaged hand and smile. “I’ve burnt myself rather badly, I’m afraid. Could you recommend me something for the pain?”

He swallows nervously. “Cer—uh, certainly. Aisle four has—”

“Oh, I’m afraid the normal medicines simply don’t work for me,” I interrupts. “I was hoping you could offer something a little stronger?”

He swallows again. “Well… um… If you have a prescription—”

I laugh. “Oh, Simon, come on.” I lean forward conspiratorially. “I know you have stronger stuff.”

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