Page 134 of All Our Secrets

“Theodore died…”

“Things moving on their own. Mysterious footprints coming and going inside your house… Baby, think back. Why do you think I tried so hard to get you out of that house?”

Her face turned ashen.

“I’ve seen him.”

She covered her mouth. “Silas, please…” She shook her head violently.

“I wish I were lying. I don’t want to scare you, and I don’t want it to be real, but Theodore’s been in that house since the night of your break-in. There never was a break-in, Peyton. I think it was the first night he came back.”

Her pupils dilated. “Theodore’s dead. You were there the day he…”

“You know what I’m saying when I say he’s there. In that house.”

Her forehead wrinkled. “You’re saying Theodore is a ghost?”

“Yes.”

She stood. “Why would you say that?”

“You think I want to tell the woman I love that her dead husband is a ghost trying to get her attention? Fuck no. I didn’t want you to know he was here. You’d give your loyalty to a ghost because it’s what you think is right, but I’m not losing you due to another truth left unsaid.”

Peyton swayed. I grabbed her shoulder quickly. If she fainted, I wanted to have a secure grip on her and T.J.

“I can’t believe what I’m hearing.” She rubbed her head.

“Remember what happened to your mom’s boyfriend? It wasn’t an accident. That was Theo. And everything else. You already believe me. You’ve seen too much.”

She sank to her knees and covered her face. “Oh my God.How?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted.

She dropped her hands slowly. “How do you know it’s Theodore?”

“I see him. I’ve spoken to him.”

“What?”

“I don’t know why, but I’ve always been able to see him.”

“What is he doing here?”

“He doesn’t know, but he doesn’t want to give you up. Theo wanted me to tell you he was there, and I refused.”

“Silas.” Tears fell down her cheeks.

“Don’t.” My voice came out in a plea.

“I’m such a horrible person,” she cried and placed her index finger to her temple. “The wrong I’ve done to Theo in my thoughts.”

My heart fell at her feet at the pure anguish in her voice. She felt guilty. But didn’t she see it was all my fault? That I’d take the blame a hundred times over?

“Theo could never be upset with you, Peyton. I’m the one he’s angry with.”

“Because he doesn’t know what I’ve been thinking,” she whispered. “I need to go.”

It was like someone doused me in ice-cold water. Every part of my body locked up as she pulled away, cradling her son to her chest.

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