The Hidden Truth by Hilary Boyd

Author:Hilary Boyd [Boyd, Hilary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781405943932
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2022-08-03T18:30:00+00:00

28

The roads were almost deserted so late, and her journey was quick. The house sat there in isolated darkness, the usual wind swirling up from the sea like a malign spirit, the security light bathing her in its cruel beam.

She let herself in quietly, still uncertain as to what she would say, words batting round in her head in unedited chaos. What hasn’t he told me? she kept asking herself, over and over. What did he do? Why can’t he be honest? But the predominant question in her mind was Who is this man I’ve fallen in love with?

Bernard was asleep, although the bedside light was still on. When she tiptoed into the room, he jerked awake, pushing himself up with a loud ‘Who’s there?’, his sleep-washed eyes wild. She hurried over to the bed. ‘It’s OK, only me.’

‘I thought you were staying in Lewes.’ He rubbed his face with one hand, smiling sleepily. ‘How was supper?’

She took a steadying breath, plonked herself down on the edge of the mattress, one knee drawn up under her. Now she was here, she wasn’t sure where to start. No point in beating round the bush.

‘Tell me what really happened the day of the accident, Bernard.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘What do you mean?’

‘I mentioned to Joe that you’d told me about it.’ She took a breath, realized she was trembling. ‘And he implied by his reaction … He didn’t say as much, but there’s clearly stuff I don’t know …’ She trailed off. ‘He said I had to talk to you.’

The following silence burnt the air and made her shudder. Bernard was breathing in short gasps. When his grey eyes finally met hers, she saw only an overwhelming despair. He swallowed. ‘I’ve been such an idiot.’

‘Tell me,’ she whispered, feeling anger begin to take over from bewilderment. She just couldn’t comprehend why this man would bring her into his life, tell her he loved her, but continue to hide so much that was so vitally important.

Bernard sat up straighter, crossing his legs beneath the duvet, clasping his hands tightly together in his lap. His blue T-shirt had a small tear just below the neck and she couldn’t help staring at it. She thought his silence would last forever, but she was not going to speak again until he did.

‘OK, I’ll tell you … But I must warn you, Sara, it’ll shock you.’ He took a large gulp of air and looked away. ‘God, this is so hard to say out loud. I’ve kept the secret for so bloody long.’ Another pause, during which Sara thought her heart would burst through her chest. ‘The truth is, Adam was driving the car.’

Absolutely stunned, Sara stared at him. ‘Oh, my God …’ As it began to sink in, she repeated more softly, ‘Oh, my God.’ Then added, ‘And you … you took the rap?’

He nodded miserably.

She thought for a second. ‘Adam went along with it?’

‘He didn’t have much choice. He was in shock and I took charge … made probably the worst decision of my life.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.