Page 56 of One Last Lie

“Mrs. Ashford?”

When I hear Theresa’s voice, I nearly weep with relief. We all turn to see her approaching. She stops and pales when she sees me, but I smile sweetly at her to let her know she has nothing to fear from me.

She pales further, so I don’t think my smile communicates what I want it to, but she can’t exactly run off, can she? “Um… I was wondering if we might talk in private?”

My eyes widen in amazement. Is she planning to come clean?

“Now? About what?”

“It’s…” she glances at me again. It occurs to me that she may have tried to frame me for the thefts. I hardly think she’s going to confess to her own crimes.

I would be angry with her, but I’ve already decided I need to leave this house, so if she gives me an excuse to do that before I’m killed, then so be it. “Please, Theresa,” I say, “don’t hold back on my account.”

She looks at me a moment longer, then sighs and nods. She turns her gaze back to Cecilia, squares her shoulders and says, “I’m resigning my position. Effective immediately.”

I’m sure I’m as stunned as Cecilia. “You are?” she says. “Why?”

“I’ve…” she looks at me again, and I realize that she’s looking at me for encouragement. I don’t know if I provide that since I’m too stunned to think clearly, but whatever she sees in my face must suffice. She meets Cecilia’s eyes and says, “I’ve been stealing from you and from Mrs. Emily before you. I’ve taken jewelry from you, and I’ve stolen cash from your safe that I’ve used to commission fine dresses. I am so sorry for the pain and distress my actions have caused you.”

Richard looks at me, and I shake my head, pretending I have no idea what prompted this. Cecilia looks at Theresa and lifts her hands, confused. “I… what?”

“You’ll find the jewelry on your bed, ma’am, along with the dresses and shoes.”

“Shoes?”

“Yes. I’ve purchased fine shoes as well. I am sure you can sell those and the dresses and recoup any money that isn’t also returned. Oh yes, I forgot to mention I’ve left the remaining cash and as much money as I could withdraw from my checking and savings accounts on the bed with the jewelry. I…” tears come to her eyes. “I was just so jealous, ma’am. I see the life you live and… well, I’ll never have that life. I’ll never be rich. I hated that, and I thought you wouldn’t miss the less opulent of your jewels.” She smiles gratefully at me. “But Miss Mary reminded me of how ungrateful it was of me to treat you like that. You’ve given me a home and a wonderful job, and I’ve spurned your kindness. I’m so sorry. If you wish for Detective Holloway to arrest me, I’ll go quietly, and you certainly have the right to do that. But if you can find it in your heart to forgive me and allow me to leave with a dignity I don’t deserve, then I would appreciate it forever. I know it’s a lot to ask, but if—”

“Fine,” Cecilia says, slicing her hand through the air to cut her off. “Sure, you can leave, I’ll…” she runs her hands through her hair. “Just… Javier’s back in the garage, I’m sure. Have him take you to Buffalo, and good luck.”

“Oh, thank you, ma’am!” Theresa cries. “Thank you so much!”

She moves to embrace Cecilia, then thinks better of it, and instead bows. She turns to me, and for a terrifying moment, I’m afraid she’ll try to embrace me. Instead, she just bows as well, then rushes from the house.

The three of us watch her leave. When the front door closes behind her, Cecilia throws her hands in the air and says to no one in particular. “What the hell is in the air today?”

“Can’t find good help these days,” Richard empathizes. “Am I right, Mary?”

I manage a smile. “Very right.”

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

The three of us stand there a moment in awkward silence. Richard breaks it.

“Hey, Cecilia and I were going to grab some lunch at the Luxe Diner in town. You ever been?”

“No, I… I can’t say I have.”

“You really ought to try it,” he says. “Great eggs benedict. Hey, you want to join us? I’m buying.”

“Oh, um… I don’t think—”

“No,” Cecilia says. “Just… God, Richard.”

“What? I was just being polite. She offered me coffee and all. It was nice to be treated like I mattered and not like I was just a tool.”

She glares at him. “Well, maybe you two can go to lunch then. I don’t feel like having the same argument with you every time we see each other.”

“I just thought it might be nice to have an actual relationship,” he retorts, “instead of sneaking around like teenagers.”

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