(2011) Only the Innocent by Rachel Abbott

Author:Rachel Abbott [Abbott, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: crime, police
Published: 2012-06-28T17:51:51+00:00

CHAPTER 22

Imogen had locked herself in the bathroom and run a deep hot bath. She’d brought the letters with her, but she decided to soak for a while. She needed to brace herself, because reading them was so very painful.

Laura would be seeing the executors of the will later in the day, but to Imogen’s relief she didn’t seem at all concerned about the outcome. She was certain that Hugo wouldn’t have been kind. He never was.

The signs had been there for Laura to see from the day she met him, but his clever manipulation and her eagerness to bend to his will had set the pattern for the future. Imogen could see that Laura blamed herself for lacking the strength and courage to recognise the web in which he was slowly ensnaring her. And it was almost unbearable to witness the depths of her shame.

She picked up the next letter, and began to read.

***

JUNE 1999

My dear Imogen

It’s months since I wrote one of these stupid and pointless letters. Not since the last day of my honeymoon. The truth is, I’ve realised how ridiculous they are. But I have to pour my heart out to somebody, even if it’s just a complete pretence.

My life now has changed. I don’t work, and Hugo doesn’t want me to help with the charity. I wanted to redecorate the house, although that’s come to nothing either.

And now I no longer have you! I’ve lost my best friend, and I miss you desperately. You tried to call me yesterday, but I couldn’t listen to your lies. They must be lies, surely? It’s tearing me apart Imo - my husband, or my best friend? Nobody should have to make that choice.

The last time I wrote to you we were about to return to England, where Hugo promised life - or at least sex - would be better. He seemed to think I needed to understand more about a man’s desires in the bedroom. He seemed to think that he could find a way of giving me greater pleasure.

He was wrong. Oh God was he wrong. And I wanted to tell you. I was going to tell you!

Life isn’t bad. We attend a lot of functions together, and Hugo is attentive towards me. He’s still insisting that I buy new clothes for all the events, and he’s still helping me to perfect the way that I behave in the sort of circles that he moves in. I often get things wrong though, particularly when I decide to go and choose an outfit for myself. Hugo doesn’t ever get angry with me if I select something inappropriate. He just gives a slight frown when I appear dressed and ready to go out. Then I know he doesn’t like it. When he approves he always does something wonderful. The other night I walked into the room, ready to go out, and he gave me one of his most glorious smiles and jumped up from the sofa to kiss my hand.

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