Page 245 of The Sinner: James

My eyes widen in surprise.

“Me? Only me?”

She nods.

Her smile falters while she struggles to make sense of my puzzled expression as my thoughts unravel.

“Where, um... Where are the other guests?”

She feels at ease again as I begin to make sense to her.

“They left.”

“When?” I ask in a scratchy voice.

Smiling, she makes herself busy with my bed, fluffing up the pillows and smoothing the covers.

“Early morning,” she says.

“Why?”

She flicks her eyes to me.

It’s a dumb question––I’m aware of that––and she doesn’t know the answer, but I had to give it a try.

“Why, um... Why didn’t I leave with them?” I press further, realizing I’m not getting anywhere.

Concern beams in her eyes.

“I don’t know, Miss. I can only assume it was Mr. Sexton’s decision.”

My eyebrows tilt up.

“It was?”

“Yes. Lenny might know more about that. He had been tasked with taking you back.”

I clear my throat.

“Where is he?”

She points to a tall man handling a water hose on the other side of the pool.

“Thank you,” I say.

She smiles warmly in response before I stifle my mixed feelings and walk straight to him.

“Lenny?”

The man pivots to me, a friendly grin glinting in his eyes. Something tells me he’s the woman’s husband.

“Good afternoon, Miss. I hope you’ve enjoyed your stay.”

I flash a polite smile.

“Yes, I have.”

“Just let me know when you’re ready to leave,” he says. “The plane is on standby.”

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