The Lying Wife by Kathryn Croft

Author:Kathryn Croft
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Limited
Published: 2022-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Rhys and I only meet once more at Mrs Simmons’ house before she comes home from hospital. It is not easy to make excuses to James because he knows Debbie and Bridgette are usually too busy to go out during the week. I hate myself for lying, so I will go without seeing Rhys instead, until there is an easier way. For now, though, I make do with his text messages, which come hard and fast, full of declarations of how much he misses me.

On Thursday evening, I drop the keys next door and check on Mrs Simmons. I have no doubt she is making a good recovery – she is a battle-axe and will probably outlive us all – but I worry Rhys or I may have left something behind. If we did, she will spot it immediately, but everything seems fine. She even thanks me, although her gratitude is delivered in a brusque manner. ‘Thank the boys for me,’ she adds, more warmly. I don’t know how I will keep her from speaking to them and thanking them herself, but for now I have enough to worry about.

When I get back in, James is standing at the bottom of the stairs, his arms folded and a frown on his face. This is it. He has found out about Rhys. My deceit is about to unravel. It feels as if my heart has stopped beating and I come to an abrupt stop in the hallway, waiting for him to speak.

‘Emma’s just been on the phone in tears. She says Natalie ended it with her after the lunch on Saturday and she seems to think the two of you spoke about it. I told her that’s rubbish, but she’s in a real state, Callie.’

I breathe again. Whatever this is about, it has nothing to do with Rhys. We are safe.

‘I don’t understand. What does she think I’ve done?’

James repeats himself before I remember. This is about my conversation with Natalie on the landing last week. But somehow things have become warped and twisted. Does she really believe I could have something to do with her break-up?

I explain the conversation to James, leaving out the part about Dillon and Luke. ‘She did tell me she was planning on ending things with Emma. But I had nothing to do with it. I don’t even know the woman. Even if I had told her to leave Emma, why would she listen to me?’

James sighs. ‘I know. We just don’t need this grief on top of everything else.’

And that’s when I remember Dillon’s face peering though the gap in his door. I consider telling James, but restrain myself. As with the other grievances, it’s futile to bring it up, especially without proof. No, I will deal with Dillon myself. ‘I’ll talk to Emma,’ I say. ‘Clear things up. Don’t worry.’

He smiles faintly and says he needs to do some work upstairs. A few minutes later, when I’m passing his study to use the bathroom, I hear him on the phone.

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