Page 100 of The Devil’s Lair

“Oh, yes, a hundred percent.”

“The husband you deserve, too.”

I glance up at her, but she’s not looking at me. She’s gazing at a photograph on the mantlepiece of her and George.

“Have you seen him?”

She returns her attention to me. “No. Every time I ask, Charles refuses. Guess I should be grateful they haven’t killed him yet. Where there’s life, there’s hope.” She laughs bitterly, her response matter of fact.

If I had to guess, I’d say that’s her coping mechanism. From my perspective, George is just as bad as Marcus, but Alice clearly doesn’t see it that way, and I don’t want to upset her. It must be awful to love someone as much as she loves George only to find out he’s a monster. Turning off that love would not be easy. She’s not there yet. Maybe she never will be.

Another thud comes from overhead, louder this time. I sigh and put my half-finished mug of tea on the table. “Okay, now I’m going to see what’s going on.”

This time, Alice doesn’t stop me, just nods, her gaze returning to the photograph. I jog up the stairs, poking my head into a couple of open doorways until I find Isla in what I presume is Alice’s bedroom, considering there’s several photos of her and George lining the walls.

Isla’s sitting on the floor, cross-legged, an open book in her lap. I can’t see any damage, which is something.

“What are you doing, you little imp?” I take the book from her—a thriller by a well-known author—and put it on the bedside table. Luckily, she’s unable to read it, thank goodness. “Come on. It’s time to go.”

We head back downstairs, and I peer into the living room. Alice is standing now, holding the photograph in her hand, crying. My heart breaks for her.

“Hey,” I say gently. “I was going to take Isla home for her nap, but if you need me to stay, I can.”

She shakes her head, brushing absently at her wet cheeks. “It’s fine, sweetheart. You go. I have plenty to keep me occupied.”

“I’m just a phone call away. If you ever want some company, just call.”

“You’re a good person, Rebecca. Tobias is lucky to have you.” She turns back to the picture, and her eyes soften. Lost in her memories, maybe. I take Isla’s hand, and we slip out of the door, closing it quietly behind us and leaving Alice with the remnants of the life she once had.

When we return to Oakleigh, I put Isla down for a nap and curl up by the window with my notebook, but I can’t shake the melancholy of Alice’s sadness.

Alice lost her future with the man she loved.

But somehow, impossibly, I’ve been given one, and I will never, ever take that for granted.

Chapter Thirty

REBECCA

Tobias

Hey. Are you free?

I instantly smile. What is it about this man that a single text can set off that fluttery feeling in my belly and make me grin wide enough for my cheeks to ache?

I’ve just put Isla to bed so, yes.

Tobias

Great. Fancy watching a movie? I’ll bring popcorn.

The popcorn sealed the deal.

Tobias

I’ll try not to be offended that popcorn is more popular than I am. Give me ten.

Hugging myself, I race into the bathroom and fluff up my hair a bit. I coat my lashes in mascara and pinch my cheeks to add a bit of color, then reach for a pale pink lipstick, only to change my mind and put it back in my makeup bag. If Tobias kisses me, I want him to taste my lips, not pink gloop.