The Wife Who Knew Too Much(50)

“But—I only sent it to you. I didn’t—”

“You have to assume your phone is not secure. Do you understand? This woman could’ve hired someone to bug us.”

“That’s so paranoid. Besides, if you really believe it, why are you talking about this over the phone?”

“Do I think the phones are actually bugged? It’s not impossible. People do crazy things for this much money. The knives are out for us, Tabby. You don’t understand the world you live in now. Delete the video from your phone, okay? I deleted it from mine. I’ll call you in the morning.”

“Wait!… Hello? Connor?”

The call had dropped. He’d deleted the video of our baby? How could he? What would it even achieve? My pregnancy was beginning to show. I wouldn’t be able to hide it for much longer.

As it turned out, I couldn’t even hide it for the rest of that day.

That afternoon, I went out for a walk on the beach without checking the weather forecast. Within a few minutes, the skies opened, sending me scurrying back to Windswept, soaking wet. I went up to the master suite to change, and was shocked to walk in on Juliet, standing in my bathroom. She was staring at the prenatal vitamins I’d left sitting out on the vanity so I wouldn’t forget to take them.

“What are you doing?” I said.

She whirled, startled. She hadn’t heard me come in.

“You’re pregnant?”

Her tone made it sound like an accusation.

“That’s none of your business. Why are you in my bathroom?”

I watched the emotions play across her face—shock and anger, followed by the guilty look of someone who’d been caught out. And then, panic.

“Ma’am, I apologize. I was cleaning out Mrs. Levitt’s things, and I realized, I hadn’t checked the medicine cabinet. I thought this might be hers—lying around. I—I’m so sorry if offended you. I had no intention of invading your privacy—”

“It’s okay. Relax.”

“Please don’t tell Mr. Ford I was in here.”

“He doesn’t care.”

“He does. You won’t tell him? I think he wants to fire me.”

“Juliet, no. That’s not true. You’ve been nothing but helpful.”

“Seriously. If you tell him, he’ll ask me to leave.”

“I won’t let that happen. I’ve worked for a living my whole life. Nobody is getting fired on my watch. Rest easy, okay? You’re keeping your job.”

The gratitude in her eyes moved me. I knew how it felt to think you might get fired. The uncertainty, the feeling of unfairness. Juliet was probably around the same age as me. A month ago, I would have envied her position. I would’ve thought her job was cool and hoped we could be friends. And now she needed to be afraid of me. That was a strange feeling, and an uncomfortable one.

“Thank you, Mrs. Ford. And if it’s not too intrusive of me to say, what wonderful news. You must be very happy.”

She smiled brightly, and I wondered if I’d imagined that flash of anger a moment ago.

“It wasn’t planned. We would’ve preferred to wait. But yes, thank you, I am happy.”

“And Mr. Ford? Is he happy, too?”

“Thrilled. He always wanted children. Even so, I would appreciate it if you didn’t mention this to anyone just yet. It’s still early.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she said smoothly. “It’s for the proud parents to announce when they’re ready. Now, I have some paperwork for the auction to take care of, so I’ll get out of your hair.”

After she left, I changed into sweatpants and a cozy sweater and sat on the window seat, watching the storm rake the ocean. I felt like we’d connected. But now that the moment had passed, I was gripped with anxiety that she’d found out my secret. Not just any secret. A dangerous one, life or death. Would she keep quiet? I hoped she saw me as an ally, even someone who might become a friend. But her loyalty to Nina might make her resent me. The new wife, the interloper, whose prescription bottle told a tale of infidelity predating Nina’s death. Was Juliet trustworthy? I couldn’t tell. Connor had gotten one thing right on the phone earlier. I didn’t understand the world I lived in now.





24





I’d been at Windswept for an entire week without Connor, but finally, the end of our separation was in sight. He’d be flying home tomorrow, and I was expected to join him in the city that same night for a dinner celebrating the closing of the Saudi deal. The top brass of Levitt Global would be there, along with the Saudi executives.

“Is that a good idea?” I said nervously, when Connor told me this over the phone the night before. “I thought I was supposed to keep a low profile.”

“True. But Hank Spears wants to meet you. He’s the CEO, and things will go easier if he’s in our corner. This is a small dinner in a private room at a restaurant. Nobody from the public will be there. It should be fine, and it’s a good opportunity to introduce you.”

“But I won’t know what to say.”

“It’s just a meet and greet. You don’t have say much. The focus of the dinner is on the Saudis.”

“I don’t have anything to wear.”