Page 41 of Little Empty Promises

“If you think about how Cordelia set the scene, I don’t believe it’s possible for what she witnessed to have taken place in a library—or a public place, for that matter,” I said.

“Why not?Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“I didn’t read all the notes to you.In truth, I debated whether I should share them with you or anyone else before they’re handed off to the police.”

“Then why did you?”

“When I was in her house, I realized Cordelia had a perfect view from her bedroom window into your house.”

“I’ll bet she had just as good of a view of her neighbors who live on the other side.”

The neighbors on the other side.

Why hadn’t I thought of that?

I’d been so focused on the woman in the notes being Rosalyn, I hadn’t thought to check the windows on the opposite side of the bedroom to check whether Cordelia could see into her other neighbor’s house too.

“Is there a reason Cordelia would have spied on one of the neighbors who live on the other side?”I asked.

“Have you talked to them?”

“Not yet.”

She shook her head, disappointed.“Well, maybe you should before you come over here insinuating the notes are about us.”

“Are you suggesting theyaren’tabout you?”

“I am.I don’t know much about the neighbors a couple of doors down, but I heard they’re getting a divorce.”

“Since when?”

“I don’t know.They’re still living together in the same house, though.I saw them together yesterday, and I haven’t seen anyone move out.”

“How did they seem?”

“All right, I guess.”She went silent for a moment.“Are you married?”

“I’m marrying for a second time next year.”

“Then you’re aware that no marriage is perfect.”

“I am.”

“What was written on those notes of hers … it could have been opinion rather than fact.Either way, it wasn’t about us.”

She was looking at the floor, again avoiding eye contact.

If she had something to hide, not looking me in the eye was smart on her part, even though it increased my overall suspicions.

“Do you expect your husband to be back today, or tomorrow, or this week?”I asked.

“He’s out of town for business.I’m not sure when he’s going to be back.”

“Don’t the two of you communicate about his work schedule?I feel like most people know when their partner is coming and going.”

“Eddy’s job is complicated.He works in shifts.Sometimes his jobs go short, sometimes they go long.Sometimes he walks through the door without even talking to me first.It’s his way of surprising me, I guess.”

Was it a good surprise or a bad one?

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