The Serial Killer's Wife by Alice Hunter (best romantic novels to read .txt) 📗

I’m honest, I’d forgotten about it! You know, I’ve had such a lot on my mind. But rest assured, it’s cancelled,’ I say with feeling.

‘Good, good,’ she says. I assume she’s finished now she’s got this off her chest, but her face becomes even more serious. ‘I keep hearing terrible updates,’ she says, her eyes widening. ‘Awful business with Tom …’ She trails off, but I get the impression she wants to add, ‘How could you not have known?’ I’m scared, now that I’ve told Adam and given a fuller account to the detectives, that my knowledge of Tom’s actions will become public. And what will everyone think of me then?

I may have to rethink my strategy.

‘It’s devastating, Shirley. I’m trying to do all I can to help the police,’ I say. Tears prick the back of my eyes. I blink them away, but Shirley notices them.

‘Come now, love.’ She puts her free hand on my shoulder and squeezes it. ‘I’m sure everyone in Lower Tew knows it’s nothing to do with you. None of this is your fault. We don’t always know everything about a person, do we? It’s shocking what some people hide.’

I can’t look her in the eye.

‘Thank you – I appreciate that. Right, best get on,’ I say as I move away. I don’t turn back until I hear the door close. An icy-cold sensation shoots up my spine. Why did it feel as though she’d been looking right into my soul?

‘Ah, Beth – it’s you!’ Lucy’s sing-song voice brings a smile to my face.

‘Hi, Lucy. I’m like one of the lost sheep, aren’t I?’

‘I hope you don’t mind, but I drafted in some free help.’ Lucy puts her arm out towards a teenage girl with a punk hairstyle and a dozen or so face piercings. ‘This is Emmy. She’s doing some work experience and we thought this was the perfect opportunity. She’s my cousin,’ she adds, by way of explanation. I’m pleased Lucy has some help – I’ve neglected her and Poppy’s Place badly.

‘Brilliant!’ I reach forwards to shake Emmy’s hand. ‘Glad to meet you, Emmy. How are you finding it so far?’

‘S’good.’ She gives what I think is a smile, but it’s difficult to tell due to the line of small silver balls surrounding her lips. Lucy instructs her to clear a table, and once she’s ambled off, explains to me how having her to tidy up is helpful, despite her not being the most enthusiastic worker.

‘Honestly, whatever makes your life easier is fine by me,’ I say.

‘Any updates?’

‘Apart from a threatening “gift” left in my front garden last night, no.’

‘Christ, Beth. What was it?’

‘Oh, you know – just a gallows with a fake body hanging from it.’

Lucy’s face pales. ‘You’re joking! That’s so scary.’

‘Unfortunately, my sense of humour is in dramatic decline. So … no – I’m not joking. We’re going to stay at a friend’s for a few nights – or maybe a bit longer – until this blows over.’ I don’t feel it’s wise to mention that Adam is that friend for now.

‘And you think it will?’

Lucy’s negativity crushes me. It’s what I’ve already been thinking – that there’s no end in sight for this – but hearing her question it feels like a stab to the heart.

‘God, I hope so. We can’t go on like this, can we? I’d have to move away.’

‘Don’t do that, Beth. I love this job.’ She eyes me cautiously, probably wondering if she should start looking for another position, but then she adds, ‘Oh, God that sounds so selfish of me. I’m sorry. Thinking about myself again.’ She lowers her eyes.

‘You’ve every right to think of yourself, Lucy. But don’t worry, your job here is safe. Even if we were to leave, I’d keep Poppy’s Place going. You’re practically running the whole show anyway – I’m sure you could manage it for me.’

‘Thanks. But don’t go. Don’t be run out of this place by a few haters.’

‘I’m surprised you don’t want me gone – especially given that Tom dragged Oscar into his … mess. And maybe you wouldn’t feel as compassionate if he’d been accused of murdering one of your family members, would you?’

Lucy doesn’t answer.

I don’t blame her.

To lighten the mood, I ask if I can do anything while I’m there. Lucy suggests I check the kiln and make sure the trays are clean. It feels a bit weird to take instruction from her, but she really has been the boss lately. I’m glad to be of some assistance, and even more glad to be out at the back, away from the public glare of accusation.

I potter about, my mind wandering from one thing to another: why Imogen ran off so quickly after I mentioned Tom’s affair; who the third victim, if there is one, is; how to manage the developing situation with Adam; how to keep up the façade, or whether I should come clean right away. It’s been relatively easy up until now to keep the truth from spilling out. But it won’t last. I can’t stay quiet indefinitely.

Chapter 78

BETH

Now

Imogen Cooper’s phone went straight to voicemail several times during the day, so I’m surprised to see her name pop up on my mobile now – it gives my heart a jolt. It’s probably about the third victim. Am I ready to hear what she has to say? Will she be ready to hear what I have been reluctant to share?

‘Hi Imogen,’ I say. ‘I’ve been trying to contact you.’

‘Been tied up.’

She doesn’t elaborate, and the line goes quiet. Odd – she was the one to call me. I stay silent, waiting for her to speak again. I want to know what’s going on, but I’m hesitant to ask. I wait out the silence.

‘Where are you right now?’ Imogen asks. She sounds tired – her voice is strained.

‘I’m just at home, packing a bag ready to stay at Adam’s for the next few days. Why?’ My mouth goes dry. I wonder