A Shattered Wife by Diana Salyers

Author:Diana Salyers [Salyers, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: alpha male, psychological suspense, suspense books, psycological horror, scary books, suspense novels, mystery thrillers, mystery suspense, suspense stories, Thrillers, dementia, horror books, psychological thriller, evil stories, (¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯)
Publisher: Outlandish Originals
Published: 2013-05-04T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

Paul got out of his car and stretched lazily. The Landry house, with its slash of red brick chimney up the side, warmed his heart and he ambled toward it thinking, not for the first time, that it would make a pretty painting, peaceful and secluded. He crossed the wooden foot bridge to the yard and bent to sniff Martha’s fragrant roses.

"You look fit as a fiddle this morning," Bill said as he wheeled onto the porch.

"I feel fit as a fiddle," Paul said lightly, straightening, and then broke into a smile when he noticed Bill’s beard, tinged with gray. "I like it," he said rubbing casually at his own furry chin.

The old man’s hand went to his own chin and he was surprised when his fingers touched a short beard. It suddenly dawned on him that he hadn’t shaved since Father’s Day, but he carefully hid his reaction. "It’s a little uncomfortable but I’ll get used to it. I get damn tired of shaving every day."

Paul sat down on the end of the porch near Bill’s feet. "Just be careful when you trim. One slip and it’s all over."

Bill nodded.

"You know, my offer to build that ramp to the porch for you still holds," Paul said.

Bill waved the words aside. "I don’t need it. I’m not going anywhere."

"You could sit out in the yard."

"With my luck, I’d probably fall into another groundhog hole and paralyze the rest of me. No thanks!"

Paul felt especially good today and his laughter came easily. He had good news for Bill.

Martha knew she looked bad. Lack of sleep had left dark circles under eyes and she was always on the verge of tears. Whether the tears were caused by exhaustion, nervousness or just plain fear she wasn’t sure. Whatever the cause, her eyes were swollen and red. Her hair continued to slip from its confining bun and the fine silvery strands hung limply against her neck.

Listening to the men talking and laughing on the porch, she thought about how close they had become - almost like father and son. The thought intensified her anger toward Bill and even brought on an unreasonable surge of anger toward Paul. While setting the table, she came to a decision. Today she would tell Paul about Bill’s recent behavior as soon as the opportunity presented itself. As Bill’s doctor, he especially needed to know about the incident with William.

After they had eaten, Martha jumped up from the table and followed him outside. He was returning to the house, medical bag in hand, when she reached him. "I have to talk to you." Her whisper sounded desperate to her own ears.

A frown flicked across his face. "What is it?"

She looked around to make sure Bill had not followed her. "Bill’s been doing some pretty strange things. I thought you should know."

"Like what?"

"He can’t sleep for one thing."

"I’ll ask him about it and give him a prescription," Paul said off-handedly and started toward the house again.

"No," Martha shook her head and put a hand on his arm.

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