Page 35

I was cleaning the hall upstairs when someone knocked on the front door. Thud, thud, thud.

Not heavy enough to be Ray of Sunshine, not light enough to be Scilla, but who else would come all the way out here? A salesperson?

I went down the stairs, glad I’d put on basic makeup, a sensible pair of pants, and a button-up shirt before I started cleaning.

I threw open the door and stared out at Clark. Tall. Blonde. Nice smile that crinkled his eyes. But his crinkles had more lines than I was used to. He looked older, colder in spite of the aura of warmth. It felt like a lie. Was this a dark arts practitioner in a glamour of my husband?

“How can I help you?” I asked, like I didn’t recognize him. If it was Clark, he’d be upset instead of smiling, wouldn’t he? I sold the house without telling him. That would make any normal person very upset, much more than this cool and aloof person was.

His smile grew until it looked almost genuine. “You know I’m not Clark. Impressive. I’m his twin brother, Lark.”

I blinked at him. “Lark? My husband doesn’t have any siblings.”

“He does though. He has two siblings, one twin brother, and one sister, similar to your own familial arrangement. May I come in?”

No. I gave him a hard smile. “I don’t think the house likes you.”

He looked up at the porch roof then back at me. “No, I don’t suppose it does. And neither do you. In that case, I’ll make it brief. My brother requested, very strongly, that I tell you that I am in a relationship with the woman in the photos you have, not him. He’s very distraught that you think he could ever be unfaithful to his precious Marigold.” His words were polite, but his tone wasn’t quite. He had mocking contempt for me and didn’t mind if I knew it.

“How awkward to have seen such intimate photos of a stranger,” I said while my heart beat faster and I stared at him. His eyes were so blue, his hair pale blonde, like the twins. Clark didn’t have an affair? But how would he know that I thought he did? I’d only told Sage, who had blocked him, Ray of Sunshine, and the Council’s Teeth. And my lawyer. Maybe he’d started calling around after my phone burst into flames.

“At least we’re family. That should make it somewhat better.” Lark’s lips twisted, and for a second, I could see the resentment beneath the smooth façade. He didn’t think he should be here, apologizing to some nobody his brother had happened to marry. My husband had kept him a secret from me. Like he was ashamed of me, or his brother. Which was more likely? The orphan whose default was carrying around dead birds or this pulled-together person who was very accustomed to getting his way?

“Do you work for the council?” I asked, watching for his reaction.

He smiled, stepping away from me. “No idea what you’re talking about.” The words buzzed like a bee at my ear. Lies.

“Did you really not notice my private detective?” I asked.

He shrugged as he stepped off the porch, still backward, but completely aware of his surroundings. “I was occupied at the time.” Another buzzing. Yes, he’d known about the private detective, almost like he’d wanted his brother to be caught cheating. Wanted to destroy his marriage. My life.

“You’re a good brother, coming here to say what must be incredibly awkward for you. Thank you.” The words felt like acid coming out. Thank you for destroying my life and sanity?

His eyes narrowed. He didn’t want gratitude, he wanted anger. Some people were so exhaustingly dramatic. “You’re welcome. Perhaps we’ll meet again some time.”

“Perhaps.” I’d maybe go to his funeral to make sure he was dead.

I watched him go to his car, a sleek silver beast that was power, speed, and good gas mileage. He slipped inside and drove away, smooth, like the road wasn’t gravel and dirt.

I stayed there for a long time, watching the dust settle while my heart refused. Finally, I went inside to have lunch, a cup of chamomile tea, and then back to work.

eleven

. . .

The kids were home, the boys in the woods, Sage and the Miller boys in the parlor when I was dressed and ready to go.

I went into the parlor, almost smiling at the cozy scene. Sage was arguing about angles, and Donny was listening patiently while Ray of Sunshine relaxed in a chair, reading one of my woodscraft books.

“Sage, when the beeper goes off, dinner is done. Please stay and eat if Scilla isn’t expecting you,” I said with a smile at Donny and Ray.

The older brother stood up, brow lowering in its typical scowl. “Where are you going dressed like that?”

I looked down at my red jacket, black pants, black blouse, black heels. “I have a meeting.”

“PTA or that one about road regulations?” Sage asked without looking up.

“Neither. It’s my lawyer,” I said.