The perfect Couple by Brenda Novak

Author:Brenda Novak
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Contemporary
Publisher: Mira
Published: 2010-05-17T22:00:00+00:00

It was Tiffany who answered the door when Zoe got to the house. “Hello.” She smiled but seemed so reserved and aloof that Zoe stayed at the door instead of proceeding inside, even though Tiffany stepped back to admit her.

“Is anything wrong?” she asked.

Tiffany’s effort to pump more energy into her smile was obvious. “Of course not. What makes you think that?”

“You seem a little…stressed.”

“It’s nothing. Just a bad day at work. And then your private investigator caught me as I got home to ask a few questions about Sam, so I’m running late.” She fanned her face; Zoe assumed she’d been racing frantically to pull the meal together. “I didn’t mind, of course,” Tiffany went on. “But there’s nothing I can do to help. And I already told the police that.”

“I’m sorry. He’s just…hoping that someone saw or heard something that’s been overlooked. Especially since you were home that day.”

“I wish I had heard something.”

“I know. And I really don’t mean to cause you extra work.” Zoe wanted to either come inside or leave. She didn’t want to remain standing on the stoop where Anton might see her. She wasn’t sure how she felt toward him and didn’t want to deal with any residual resentment or confusion. If not for Sam, she wouldn’t have returned to the neighborhood at all. “Would you rather I came over after you and Colin have had a chance to relax and eat? You don’t have to feed me—”

“It’s no problem,” Tiffany cut in. “The food’s almost ready.” She waved toward the couch. “Have a seat. Colin’s not home yet, but he’ll be here any minute.”

Zoe moved into the living room she’d glimpsed the day Sam went missing. It was as neat today as it had been then, but the furnishings weren’t nearly as good a quality as they appeared from a distance. The couch, coffee table, even the pictures, had probably been purchased from a discount store. She’d been with Anton long enough to spot a fake. He held any object that wasn’t the most authentic and the very best in the highest contempt. But everything here matched, right down to the pictures of Mediterranean villas on the wall. Only the roses on the dining-room table didn’t fall in line with the peach-and-beige decor.

“How lovely,” she said, gesturing at the roses.

Tiffany nodded. “Thanks. Colin gave them to me.”

“I hope I’m not intruding on your anniversary or some other special event.”

“No. He sent them to me just to say he loves me.” She smiled brightly, delighted by the flowers.

“How thoughtful.” And reassuring. Anything that proved Colin’s love for his wife made Zoe feel more comfortable about how interested and friendly he was with her. “Can I help with dinner?”

Tiffany’s teeth sank into her bottom lip as she considered the offer. “Is it normal to help when you’re a guest?” she asked. “I mean, would it be impolite of me to accept?”

“Not at all,” Zoe said with laugh. “I’m perfectly happy to pitch in, especially since it was my investigator who made you late.

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