Chapter 2 - THE MAN WHO WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO RETURN
Nora locked the bedroom door behind her.
Chloe sat on the edge of the bed, clutching a stuffed rabbit against her chest.
“Mommy?”
“I’m here.”
“Are you angry with me?”
Nora’s heart broke at the question.
“No.”
“But Grandma is.”
“She’s scared.”
“Why?”
Nora sat beside her.
“Because she knows something I don’t.”
Chloe looked down.
“I heard them last night.”
Nora became completely still.
“Who?”
“Daddy and Grandma.”
“What did they say?”
Chloe hesitated.
“They were in the kitchen.”
“What did you hear?”
“Daddy said, ‘She can’t know yet.’”
Nora’s stomach tightened.
“Who is she?”
“You.”
Nora stared at the floor.
Chloe continued.
“Then Grandma said something about David.”
Nora took a slow breath.
“Did you see him?”
“No.”
“Did you hear his voice?”
“I don't know.”
Chloe suddenly looked frightened.
“But I saw something.”
“What?”
“A picture.”
“Where?”
“In Grandma’s drawer.”
Nora stood.
“What kind of picture?”
“Daddy was in it.”
Nora opened the bedroom door.
Chloe grabbed her hand.
“Mommy, don't let Grandma know I told you.”
“I won’t.”
Nora walked down the hallway.
Every step felt heavier.
At the end of the hall stood Eleanor.
Waiting.
“You should have stayed upstairs,” Eleanor said.
Nora stopped.
“You knew I would find out.”
“I knew eventually.”
“Who is David Vance?”
Eleanor’s eyes hardened.
“A mistake.”
“That doesn't answer my question.”
“He is a man who destroys families.”
“Then why was my husband speaking to him?”
Eleanor said nothing.
Nora stepped closer.
“And why was his name attached to something found in my tea?”
Eleanor’s expression became strangely calm.
“Because someone wants you to believe that.”
Nora frowned.
“What?”
“The evidence.”
“You think I’m imagining it?”
“No.”
Eleanor looked directly into her eyes.
“I think you are being shown exactly what someone wants you to see.”
Nora felt a chill.
“Who?”
Eleanor turned away.
“I don't know.”
“Then tell me what you do know.”
Eleanor stopped at the staircase.
“David Vance isn't the person you should be afraid of.”
Nora’s pulse quickened.
“Who should I be afraid of?”
May you like
Eleanor looked back.
“Your husband.”
