Page 29 of The Liar I Married
“If John is living at home, your housekeeper would still be there, wouldn’t she?” Alex smiles at me. “I’ll visit her and see what information she has. Can you write me a note to give to her, I’m sure she would recognize your handwriting. I gather she’s been with you for many years?”
Suddenly a ray of sunshine to pierce the fog in my brain. “What would I do without you, Alex?”
“I’d better go before Dolly discovers me here.” Alex stands and shakes his head slowly. “It’s a cruel joke they’re playing but they don’t know you have an ace up your sleeve. I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’ll check back here in three days’ time. Stay strong.”
I watch as he disappears into the roses and lean back in my chair. Fragments of memory slide into place. I see the face of Rebecca Lawson. Somehow, she’s involved, I just know it. My mind goes back to the wreck; the hand on the steering wheel and the screaming in my ear can’t just be in my head—can it? The nightmare and flashbacks are too real. As the newspaper reporter told Alex, if the car sustained no damage on the right side, how come my skull was fractured on that side? I recall the sudden blinding pain just before I hit the tree. My hands tremble as the horrible truth hits me. Whoever was in the car with me tried to murder me—and my girls. Was it John?
THIRTY-ONE
John surprises me with a visit, arriving a little after eight, carrying a large bag of popcorn under one arm, and his laptop under the other. It’s not often I see John wearing casual clothes. His blue short-sleeved shirt is open at the neck and worn over a pair of bone-colored chinos. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I figured I’d surprise you.” John leads me into the family room. “How about popcorn and a movie? I’m sure Maria can rustle us up a good bottle of wine.”
I’m feeling a little insecure with him but at least he’s making an effort. “I’d like that, thank you, but all the TVs have been removed, in case I see something disturbing that sends me crazy.” I shake my head. “Although being in solitary confinement is more likely to do that than seeing something on the news.”
“We can watch it on my laptop.” John places the computer on the coffee table. “Don’t worry too much. You’re progressing so well I’m sure the doctor will allow you to watch TV soon.”
I grab the opportunity while I can. “I’ve been remembering the night of the accident when we had that argument. I know it involved Ms. Lawson.” I turn to him. “Look. I don’t want to spoilour evening but I need to fit the pieces together so I can get well.” I grip his arm. “She was there, wasn’t she?”
“Yes, but only briefly.” John’s Adam’s apple moves up and down as he scans my face. “I can’t tell you anymore, Jessie. Allow it to come back on its own. You’re not the only one who wants answers.”
I lean back in the chair and close my eyes. “Yes, I know. The cops want to question me.” I open my eyes and see his confusion. “There is one thing you can do for me.”
“Anything.” John takes my hand and rubs his thumb over the back.
It feels good to be touched but is he a snake waiting to bite? I don’t know anymore. “Replace Dolly.”
“I can’t do that, on short notice.” John runs a hand down his face. “She consults directly with your physician.”
I knew he’d have an excuse but I have a good one of my own. “She’s a palliative care nurse. I need someone who will actually spend time with me and that physical therapist you promised me. I want to get fit again.”
“Okay, I’ll see what I can do.” He slips one arm around me. “Now let’s watch the movie.”
I rest my head on his shoulder and inhale his familiar cologne. It brings back wonderful memories of our time together. I want to sink into oblivion and just enjoy the moment but a little voice in my head is insistent.Why is he being so nice?
THIRTY-TWO
In the middle of the night, I’m not sure if I’m awake or asleep. Dreams cling to my reality and I sit up, shaking my head to rid myself of the disturbing images. Sweat coats me and my PJs cling to my cooling flesh. I put my head in my hands trying to extract the truth from the dream. Has my damaged mind decided to reveal itself when I’m asleep? I’m trembling but not in fear—I’m angry. I slide out of bed, grab a fresh nightgown, and push my walker into the bathroom. I lock the door and take a shower as the memory of the night of the accident slowly slots into place.
It’s our wedding anniversary. The girls are asleep and I’m making salad to go with the steaks I purchased today from the market. John’s voice comes from the hallway but he’s not alone. I look up from the table as he comes into the kitchen with a wide grin on his face; behind him is Rebecca Lawson. She pokes him in the back and giggles. I’d looked from one to the other, waiting for an explanation. Who brings a lawyer to their anniversary dinner with their wife?
“Rebecca is moving into our guesthouse.” John smiles as if keeping his mistress on the grounds of our home and within a stone’s throw of our children is perfectly normal.
I look from one to the other. Ms. Lawson is practically glowing. “I believe we need to discuss this in private.”
“Don’t be silly, Jessie, there’s nowhere else for her to go. You know how difficult it is to get a place in Manhattan. Her apartment was damaged in the storm and it needs to be repaired. She’s only going to be here for a week or so.” John frowns at me and then turns on his heel. “I’ll help her with her bags and then come back.” He glances at the salad and raises an eyebrow. “Is there enough for three? If not, I’ll take Rebecca to the bistro, we can worry about getting extra groceries tomorrow. It will be nice having company, won’t it?”
Anger grips me, and I’m seeing red. How dare he bring that woman into my home? I somehow keep my voice low and in control. “Ms. Lawson, would you mind waiting outside while I speak to my husband, please?” I wait for her to go and when the front door clicks shut, I turn to John. “How dare you? You swore to me that you weren’t having an affair with that woman and now you want to move her into our guesthouse—and on our anniversary? How gullible do you think I am? No woman in their right mind would agree to something like that. You can go and tell her to find a hotel because there is no way I’m staying in this house while she’s here.”
“I gave her my word.” John looks taken aback. “Why are you making such a fuss over nothing? She’s only going to be here a few months.”
I toss the salad into the garbage, and glare at him. “In seconds it’s gone from a couple of weeks to a few months.” My heart is breaking as I turn to him. “It seems to me you’ve already made your choice.”
“Oh, I have.” John turns away from me and heads for the door. “She’s staying.”
I run for the stairs and throw clothes into suitcases, making sure I have enough for the girls, including a few of their favoritetoys. I leave a note on our bed. I don’t want him coming after me. It’s over. I scribble a note:
I can’t live like this any longer.
