AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The trick with the storage unit?” Rachel made atsk-tsking sound. “So easy. He lapped that up. Anything to make people question you.”
Elisa needed Rachel engaged and talking but part of her wanted to yellshut up!
“And you played right along in demeaning me,” Elisa said, fully understanding the role she’d been duped into playing.
“Only to the extent his schemes helped me.”
Josh tried to dismantle her life. Take away her security and stability. Twist and turn until she didn’t trust her own mind. And Rachel handed him the ammunition to do it.
Elisa hated both of them. They hadn’t just rattled her. They’d destroyed the foundations of her life. Took away what mattered and made her question everything, including her own eyes. Worse, they weren’t done. They were still hanging around, threatening her in her own home.
“What is your plan here, Nina? That’s your real name, right? Nina Robinson.”
Rachel’s satisfied expression disappeared. “You’ve been busy.”
“I’ve had some extra time.”
“I like you,” Rachel said as her gaze traveled around the room before landing back on Elisa. “The men in this family underestimate you. Josh thinks he can rip you apart and then put you back together once he’s sure you won’t cause him trouble. And your husband? He doesn’t appreciate you.”
Elisa balled her hands into fists and dug her fingernails into her palms. The sting gave her mind something to focus on other than fear and anger.
It sounded like Rachel wanted an argument and Elisa refused to give it. “Let me worry about Harris.”
“It’s better you know now. I gotta say, it’s painful to hear you talk about him. The things you said, how you praised him, bordered on hero worship. Realizing he takes you for granted, puts you second to Josh, this was the wake-up call you needed.” Rachel gave a little fake bow. “You’re welcome.”
Elisa had never wanted to punch another human being as much as she did right now. “No offense but you’re probably not the person I’d go to for marriage advice.”
“You know I’m right.”
“Elisa?” Josh’s voice echoed through the otherwise quiet house.
“Look who’s here.” Rachel rolled her eyes. “He’s so predictable.”
Now Elisa had to battle two of them. She didn’t love those odds. “What now?”
“Now we end this.” Rachel kept the knife by her side and gestured with her other arm for Elisa to step into the hallway. “Go.”
She went, dragging her feet, trying to think of a way out of this disaster while also hoping whatever Josh had plannedwouldn’t happen here. The idea of Nathan finding her—seeing her dead and bleeding—made her physically sick.
Elisa walked into the kitchen. “I didn’t know you were coming today.”
Josh stood by the sink, helping himself to a drink of water. He turned to face her then his gaze slipped behind her. “Rachel?”
“Hey, honey.” Rachel moved beside Elisa with the knife still in her hand. “It’s time.”
Chapter Fifty-Six
Rachel planned all of this. Befriended her, claimed to be an ally, played with her emotions. The realization hit Elisa like a slap.
“What are you doing here?” Josh asked, still looking directly at Rachel.
Rachel smiled. “Surprise.”
The tension ratcheted up in the room. The walls pressed in and the air grew thin. The choking sensation filled Elisa.Backstabbing. Double-crossing. Lying.
“What’s going on?” Josh looked from Rachel to Elisa. “I’m confused.”
Elisa couldn’t stand his smug face. “You already know Meredith came to see me. The ex you claim isn’t an ex.”
