Page 34 of The Unseen
“Fun, beautiful, spirited. She was mad for art and history. She read every historical novel she could get her hands on at the local library.”
“She loved history?” Quinn gasped. “Really?”
“Loved it. Why?”
“I’m a historian—an archeologist. We have something in common, then.”
“You have the look of her too. I didn’t notice right away, not having seen her in donkey’s years, but now that I look at you, I see it.”
“When did you become romantically involved?” Drew asked, giving Quinn a gimlet stare meant to remind her not to interrupt.
“We got involved that summer. It was a natural progression, I think. I always knew we’d end up in bed together.”
“Were you happy?” Quinn piped in.
“Yes, we were. I loved her and was excited about the future when she moved in after her mum passed, but I always got the feeling she had another agenda.”
“What kind of agenda?”
“Quentin wasn’t happy at home, but she’d led a sheltered, comfortable life and wasn’t ready to strike out on her own. I was a stepping stone, a safety net, if you will.”
“You don’t think she loved you?” Quinn asked.
“She liked me, but not enough to make a life with me.”
“Were you hoping for a future with her?” Drew asked.
“Yes. I was thirty-two when Quentin and I met, nearly twice her age. I’d had several long relationships and was ready for something more serious. I was ready for a family. But, of course, Quentin was only eighteen by the time we got together. I proposed to her when she turned twenty-one, but she refused me. She said she wasn’t ready to settle down. She wanted to travel and experience life, not spend her days working in a portrait studio and playing house with me.”
“Were you angry?” Drew asked.
“I was hurt and disappointed, but I wasn’t angry. I’d have said the same thing at that age. We were simply at different stages in our lives.”
“So you let her go?”
“Of course. We agreed not to stay in touch.”
“Are you married, Mr. Holt?” Drew inquired.
“How is that relevant?” Jesse bristled.
“It isn’t. Just curious.”
“Yes, I’m married. I have two children, aged ten and eight. Surely you don’t think I did something to hurt Quentin.”
“No, not at all. Do you know where she went after she left you?”
“I believe she went to London. That’s really all I know.”
“Would you have any photos of Quentin?” Drew asked.
“I’m afraid I don’t. I got rid of them after a time. My wife wouldn’t appreciate me keeping photographs of my old girlfriends. Now, if you will excuse me, I have another appointment in five minutes.”
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Holt. Oh, may I ask you one more question?” Drew asked as he turned to leave.
“Of course.”
“Was Quentin a virgin when you got together?”
