Page 264 of Things Left Unsaid

“The advantages outweigh the memories. They might linger in the shadows whenever I turn a corner,butI can see Callan and I’ve missed so much with him that I’d have taken any opportunity to make that right.

“Then, there’s Colt. Initially, I wanted to make sure he was okay in this marriage that bastard forced upon him, but then it shifted when I knew there’d be a grandchild… I won’t miss being a grandmother.

“Now Cody’s home too, so I get to be with more of my boys and I’ve already wasted so much time with them.

“Plus, there was a delicious satisfaction in living under this roof when Clyde wasn’t welcome. It’ll be even better if he’s in jail.” She settles back in her armchair with relish. “I’ll accept the title of petty bitch. I know that’s what you’re thinking.”

“I wasn’t, actually. I was thinking if anyone deserved to be petty, it’s you.”

“We’ll need to host another BBQ with your family. This time, one hecan’truin.” A curious light dances in her eyes when I snort. “So, will you report him to the police?”

Thisis why she wanted to talk to me.

Not to seal Clyde’s fate. But to seal mine—Mrs. Colton Korhonen.

No one will believe me, though.

No one.

Apart from, of course, Tee.

Who always believed me.

And her parents and brother who never cut me off.

And Colt—who accepted the truth despite years of thinking I was guilty.

Callan never thought it was me, even if his theory was founded on lies.

Cody accepted my word the first day we met.

Then there’s Lindsay. And probably Ida. The triplets too…

And Cole?

It might only be thirteen people, but it’s more than I’ve had before.

“I-I suppose there’d be no harm in making a statement.”

“The only harm would be to the man himself,” she agrees softly.

Getting to my feet, I ask, “Do the police believe he killed Marcy?”

“There’s no evidence. No body, no crime. Either way, Lydia knew there was something in that journal that was worthy enough of blackmail. Maybe the cops will pick up on that. Or, as you said, maybe they already have and that’s why they’ve left my boy alone.”

“Did Colt tell you she was sending him,us, poison pen letters?”

“No.” Her eyes narrow. “He didn’t. How strange.”

Awkwardly, I mutter, “It’s late, Lindsay. I need to get some more sleep. See you in the morning.”

Though she nods, I can tell my small addition to the conversation has left her perplexed.

I don’t blame her. None of this makes sense.

I forge a path to the kitchen as per my original plan and pour myself a glass of milk then stick a spoon in the jar of peanut butter and suck on the scoop as I make my return to Colton’s bedroom.

Ourbedroom.

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