The Secrets We Keep: A gripping emotional page-turner by Kate Hewitt

Author:Kate Hewitt
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781786816290
Publisher: Bookouture

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A little after five in the morning a car’s headlights cut through the early morning mist that hovers over the lake in gossamer shreds. I rise from the sofa, unsure if I’ve actually dozed for a little bit. I feel thick-headed, my eyes gritty, my body aching.

The steps to the deck creak under Josh Finlay’s deliberate tread. When he appears on the deck, standing in front of the glass door, he is not at all what I expected, which I realize now was some big, bluff man with a red face, a loud laugh, a popped collar, and an ostentatious Rolex. Josh Finlay looks like a grownup version of Max—tall and slight, with rumpled dark hair and glasses. He waits for me to open the door, smiling tiredly.

“You must be Tessa.”

“Yes…”

“Thank you so much for being here. For all you’ve done. I can only imagine how much it has been.”

“It’s no trouble. I’ve wanted to. Really. Rebecca and I…” I pause, feeling for the words. “We’ve become close over the last few weeks.”

“Yes, Charlotte said your family was spending a lot of time with them. She’s become good friends with… Katherine, is it?”

“Yes.” I am gratified by his knowledge.

“Where’s Rebecca?”

“She’s upstairs, sleeping.” He nods slowly, like a man absorbing a blow.

“Would you like a cup of coffee? I made a pot.” Hours ago, but still. “You must be tired.”

“Thank you, yes. A cup of coffee would be great.”

I bustle around the kitchen, getting his coffee, feeling self-conscious because this is his house more than it is mine.

“I’m sorry you’ve been put in this difficult situation,” Josh says as I hand him the cup of coffee, our fingers brushing. “It must be very upsetting for you, as well as for your children.” His expression tightens, and I know he’s thinking of the kids seeing Rebecca banging her head against the door. I can’t get the image out of my mind.

“It is upsetting, but mostly because I’m worried about Rebecca. I’ve never seen her so…”

“I shouldn’t have let her come up here on her own.” Josh shakes his head, his face full of recrimination. “Tell me, how has she seemed to you over the last few weeks?” He gestures to the sofas in the adjoining family room, and we sit on opposite ones, as if it’s a job interview. “Have you been worried about her before tonight?”

“Not… worried, exactly.” I hesitate as I sift through the confused jumble of my feelings. “Sometimes it felt like something was wrong,” I say carefully. “But it was only fleeting impressions… a moment here or there. Mostly she seemed so bright and animated…”

“And her drinking?” Josh asks quietly.

“She drank a… a fair amount, certainly.” I can’t deny that, and yet… “But it just seemed social. Cocktails at the club, or wine with dinner. She wasn’t ever properly drunk, not really.”

“Just a little bit drunk?” he fills in.

“A little buzzed, maybe, on a couple of occasions.” I feel guilty, because I’m not sure this is just about the alcohol.

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