Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN WHO KNEW MY HUSBAND'S SECRETS
Melanie called me on a Sunday afternoon.
I was standing in the kitchen, making coffee.
“Claire!”
Her voice was bright.
Too bright.
“How are you?”
“Fine.”
She laughed.
“I was just thinking about you.”
I looked at the phone.
“How thoughtful.”
She continued.
“Lucas must be so busy in Switzerland.”
I smiled faintly.
“Yes.”
A pause.
Then she said:
“He told me he misses you terribly.”
I stared.
“Did he?”
“Of course.”
I leaned against the counter.
“Melanie, can I ask you something?”
“Sure!”
“Have you ever been to Palm Springs?”
Silence.
Just for a second.
Then she laughed.
“Palm Springs? Why?”
I smiled.
“No reason. I was thinking about taking a trip.”
Her voice changed.
“Oh.”
I waited.
She continued.
“It's lovely this time of year.”
I nodded.
“I've heard.”
After the call ended, I sat down.
Melanie knew.
She knew I was suspicious.
And she was frightened.
For the first time, I realized something.
May you like
My husband had chosen a woman who was willing to participate in his deception.
But she wasn't nearly as comfortable with the lies as he was.
