Page 62 of The House Beyond the Dunes

“I’m well aware.”

He holds up a hand. “My observations are not an indictment. Anyone who needs help should get it.”

The truth is, I’ve been in counseling on and off for years. Some therapists have helped, but most were a waste of time and money.

Instead of pressing, he shifts tactics again. “You’ve had more time to process what happened. Walk me through it one more time.”

The extra time hasn’t changed much. “We arrived on Friday about noon. Kyle was anxious to give me the grand tour. Show me upstairs.”

Becker’s face remains blank, but I sense tension moving through him. “Go on.”

I look toward the stairs. “I remember climbing, and Kyle was right behind me. I was amazed at the house and said so several times.”

“And you made it to the bedroom.”

My brow furrows. “We did, but nothing happened.”

Detective Becker clears his throat. “Why not? Wasn’t that the purpose of the weekend?”

“Like I said, I wasn’t ready.” The words slip out before I can catch them.

He raises a brow. “How did Kyle feel about that? I mean, the guy brings you all the way up here. Had Devon stock the refrigerator and buy nice wines. He goes all out and you freeze.”

“He was annoyed. He didn’t want me to leave the bedroom.”

“If I were you, I’d not have liked that reaction.”

I draw the line at discussing my almost sex life with him. “You can tackle this question from any angle you want, Detective, but the seconds before the fall are blank.”

“Anyone else here at the house that afternoon?”

“Devon was supposed to come by that night and cook us dinner, but she hadn’t arrived yet.”

“She’s a house manager and a cook.”

“She said Kyle wanted to surprise me with a special dinner.”

“Did she tell you what was on the menu?”

“No.” A memory flashes of Kyle and me walking past the kitchen. He’d sounded proud that he’d planned every detail of the weekend. My faulty memory is frustrating. “If you want to know more, talk with Devon. She knows more about Kyle than I did.”

“They grew up together, right?”

“Yes, about a mile from here. Their family homes were in the woods.”

He stills. “I know about this house and the one across the street, but not the one in the woods.” He’s frowning now.

“Apparently, the title was in his brother Jeb’s name. There are back taxes to be paid, so Kyle never took possession. Jeb died midsummer.”

Detective Becker rattles change in his pocket. “Did Kyle tell you he was from up here?”

“No. He didn’t tell me anything about this life.”

“I can see why. Probably worried a city girl like you would think less of him.”

“That’s not fair.”

“You’re accomplished. Attractive. I’d be worried if I were him.”

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