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I really want to know what his story is going to be.
Curtis glances from me to William to the guard to the doorman. “Maybe we can talk about this somewhere more private?”
I don’t want to bring him up to the apartment since I want to get rid of him as soon as possible. But I’m not sure how to refuse without looking suspicious, and I’m about to agree when William speaks over me.
“I don’t think so. You can talk to her here for a few minutes. If it goes on too long, I’m calling a lawyer.”
I can’t suppress a flicker of gratitude as I look up at William’s handsome, unmoving face. He looks like an aristocrat from a Merchant-Ivory film in his suit and innate elegance. But he’s a consummate professional, and he probably has a whole law firm on retainer.
I put a hand on his arm and say, “I don’t need a lawyer right now. I’m happy to talk to him down here for a minute or two.” I emphasize the last words to make it clear I’m not overriding William’s decision to not invite Curtis into our home. “Will you please tell me why my sister is in trouble?”
“We were investigating her for a number of reasons, but she disappeared on us.”
“How did she disappear?” I reassure myself that the breathlessness in my voice will merely sound like worry for my sister.
He shrugs. “We aren’t sure how she managed. We can’t seem to track her down, so we’re assuming she had some help.”
“Maybe she was killed!” I raise a hand to cover my mouth, not having to fake my astonishment. The absolute gall of this man.
“We don’t think so. We think she ran away and that she had help.”
“Well, she didn’t get any help from me.”
Curtis gives me a faintly exasperated look. “You’re sure you haven’t heard from your sister recently? Maybe she tried to make contact, but you didn’t realize—”
“I would know if I’d heard from her. I haven’t been in touch with her for nine years. Sorry.”
“Can you think of anyone else she might have turned to for help?”
“I’m not sure. All our friends as kids have scattered, but I doubt she stayed connected to them. She cut ties with everyone when she left home. I have no idea who she might be friends with now.”
“Okay.” He looks like he’s going to suggest something, but then his eyes flick over to William and he evidently changes his mind. “Would you mind if I get in touch with you again if we have further questions?”
I’m about to agree when William says, “Call first. Don’t show up like this again.”
I can’t help but smile up at William as Curtis walks away. It’s really nice—I have to admit—not having to face the detective alone.
I haven’t had anyone on my side in a really long time.
He smiles back. For a moment, our eyes linger and something warm swells up in my chest.
But then we get on the elevator and the emotional response subsides. I feel weak and a little trembly. Overall, I handled things pretty well, but there’s always the chance that I’ve given something away. To Curtis. Or to William.
“I didn’t know you had a twin sister,” William murmurs, slanting his eyes over at me as the elevator doors slid shut.
“She’s not part of my life anymore. She hates me.”
I try to prepare my answers in case William asks questions, but he doesn’t. He’s quiet for the rest of the way up to the apartment.
And then, like normal, he disappears into his office to work.
* * *
I change out of the elegant dress I wore to the cocktail party. Since I’m tired and upset by the confrontation with Detective Curtis downstairs, I take my bath early in an attempt to relax.
I light candles, turn on soft music, and fill the large tub with hot, lavender-and-honey-scented water before I get in to soak. As my body relaxes, my mind lets go of its defenses unexpectedly.
I start to cry.
