Page 39 of The Secrets We Keep

“Oh Eleanor, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know he was capable of being such an evil person.”

She must be talking about Chet. I don’t respond, just wait for her to continue.

“Chet came by after work and was talking crazy. He told me it was all your fault should something happen to me. I had no idea what he was referring to. It’s why I texted you. Out of nowhere he came in and tied me to the bed. When I fought him he slapped me. It’s the first time he had ever touched me in such a way. It scared me so I did as he said.”

The glow of the monitor reveals a lone tear rolling down her cheek, falling from her chin. It was barely noticeable but I saw it. I break a little inside and squeeze her hand.

“Chet started talking nonsense about women and scandals and how you needed to pay for trying to ruin him. I had no idea what he was talking about. It was so confusing. I tried to ask questions and to get him calmed down, however he just slapped me again and told me if I knew what was good for me I would shut the fuck up.”

I gasp. He hit her more than once and it’s because of me.

“Sarah, I’m so sorry he hurt you. It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry.”

Sarah cuts me off, “No! Eleanor, it is not your fault Chet put his hands on me. He’s responsible for his actions, not you.”

I nod my head slowly. She sounds like Landon.

“Next thing I know, you show up and it was complete chaos. After he dragged you out of the room, I knew I needed to help you. I had already texted Landon to come and then went in search of you. That’s when I found him choking you. I was frozen in place until I saw your eyes roll back. Eleanor, I didn’t even hesitate... I just charged him hoping it would be enough to get him to let go of you,” she pauses, “I’ve tried to work it through my mind, but why would him cheating on me be so bad that he wanted to kill you?”

I sigh, taking a few more sips of water before I start my confession.

“I walked in on him screwing another woman on his office desk. He was pissed that I caught him. I’ve never seen Chet so angry. His face was red. We started to argue over it. I was in disbelief that he would do such a thing to you. Then he grabbed me and held me against the same desk he was just up against. He slapped me so hard Sarah, that’s when it hit me that he was a monster. He started threatening me, saying that he will end both of us if I told you. Not just a stupid threat, more like he was going to involve his wealthy associates and I know they are grimy men with no morals. I was so scared Sarah. He’s the reason I fled town, I had to do that not only for myself, I also needed to keep you safe.”

I don’t even realize I’m crying until Sarah wipes my tears. I feel the rest of the weight I have been carrying with me fall away. Telling Sarah my secret feels good however, at the same time it has to be crushing her. I go to hug her yet she pulls back. I arch an eyebrow not that she can see it.

“Sarah?”

“Just give me a minute, You… ran to protect me?” It’s more of a question than a statement. I can tell she is processing.

“Yes, I did it to protect you. I didn’t want him to harm you.”

“Did you know the woman, Chet was... with?”

I was hoping she wasn’t going to ask this question. It’s one I don’t really want to answer. Fuck me, this is going to hurt her.

“Lexi.” It’s all I say, she’ll put the rest together. Lexi has done many PR events with us. She’s always been friendly with us, a little too friendly if I really think back. The way she would smile at Sarah. It was like she knew something Sarah didn’t.

My sister hugs me then and I can feel the sobs as she squeezes me. It’s heartbreaking. Hugging her back, I let her fall apart in my arms.

Chapter 19

“Eleanor!”

My sister’s shouting from across the house causes me to roll my eyes. “Yes, Sarah?” I ask through gritted teeth.

I’m not really angry with her, just slightly annoyed. She keeps asking my opinion on color schemes and designs for her new place. My old condo to be exact. Upon leaving the hospital Landon pretty much refused me living apart from him and since I’ve been given a new look on life, one I don’t have to hide or run from, I said yes to moving in. Landon moved all my belongings while I recovered at home. He is constantly watching me like a hawk, to see if I need anything. I’ll admit it makes me feel cherished. The bruises on my throat have started to fade and I can finally talk without being in pain. I still keep the ice water with me at all times because it’s soothing.

Sarah thought with all that’s happened it was time for a change as well. She put her house on the market and me being the amazing realtor I am deep down, had it sold in less than thirty days. Thankfully I was able to do it from the comfort of my bed. I wasn’t ready to go out and see people. I didn’t want pity. What I went through, I’d do it all over again for my sister. Anyway, Sarah wanted to be where I was and with my condo suddenly empty she took it. It’s worked out nicely, besides her driving me crazy currently. Shaking my head and smiling I tell myself I’ll take her annoyance every day and all day. I love her that much.

“Well… Eleanor what do you think?”

“Umm...” Shit! I was lost in thought going over the last few weeks.

“You weren’t listening to me were you?”

“No, I’m sorry sis.”

“Ugh Eleanor! At least you’re honest about it. I’ll just go call Jessy and ask her.” Sarah walks off and I sag in relief.

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