Page 15 of The Doctor's Twins

I felt her rubbing my back and talking slowly and deliberately to me.

“It’s okay, just take a nice deep breath for me. Slowly. That’s it.”

She waited a while and then gave me a glass of water.

“Here you go, Peyton. Take a few small sips. That’s it.”

“I…I don’t know how this is possible,” I said, struggling to get my breathing under control.

“Again, I’m so sorry to be the one to tell you this, but I won't forgive myself if something happens to you and I said nothing.”

“What did the newspapers say?”

“Just that the women were reported as missing and no one, including their families, has ever heard from them again.”

“Was there some kind of investigation at least?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know much else. I wish I could help you more, but…”

What was supposed to be a happy day had turned quickly into a nightmare. Two wives! Two! Where the hell were they? Were they hiding somewhere? Did Mateo’s psychopathic behavior force them to flee with their unborn children?

And what the fuck was I supposed to do now? Go home and pretend that nothing had happened?

“Thank you, Dr. Mendes,” I said and got up.

“Please, stay as long as you like. Until you feel better.”

“I’ll be alright.”

No, you won’t. You’re royally screwed now, Peyton!

5

PEYTON

Iwas filled with near-debilitating dread when I entered the home that I shared with my husband—the man who was a complete stranger to me. I was supposed to go to the hospital after my appointment with Dr. Mendes, however, that was nearly impossible after what I’d learned.

I called in sick and went home. Actually, I went to a coffee shop first and sat there for hours before I dared to return to the house. I was thankful that Mateo wasn’t there.

How ironic. When we were first married, before Mateo had shown me glimpses of his evil nature, I used to get excited when I heard the sound of his car’s engine as he approached. But, as time progressed, I grew to fear that sound. Loathe it, even.

I had to know more about my husband’s first two wives. Surely, there was something of theirs within the walls of Mateo’s house. My first thought was to start in the bedroom. All women regarded their bedroom to be their safe place. A place where they squirreled away everything they held sacred.

Perhaps I’d find something in the corner of a closet or taped to the underside of a drawer. Something! There had to be some trace of the two women that Mateo may have missed.

But, alas, after hours of climbing onto step ladders and peering into the tiny recesses of the darkest and most awkward spaces, I came up empty. Nothing but dust.

Next, I searched the internet for clues. I came across the articles Dr. Mendes mentioned and read through them carefully. Afterward, I’d learned no more than I already knew, which frustrated the hell out of me. How was I going to protect myself if I didn’t know what I was up against? I couldn’t very well ask Mateo.

I spent the rest of the day on edge. Then, the dreaded sound came my way. Mateo was home. He opened the door and threw down his car keys on the kitchen counter. It was past midnight, and I could tell from the sound of his footsteps that he was plastered. A good time to ask?

“Peyton!” he yelled from the kitchen. “Isn’t there anything to eat around here?”

Hello to you too, you asshole.

I pretended to be asleep. I heard the bedroom door open and lay perfectly still. Perhaps he would go away. It was a long shot but what else did I have?

“Hey!” he said loudly and put on the night light. “Get up. I’m hungry.”

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