A Family Affair(97)

“Why? He must have done something if you talked about it?”

“There were a few times I wondered if he was lying to me about where he’d been. You know—the timing was just off or his story would change. And he couldn’t be reached... Didn’t answer his phone. There was some texting with this woman or that—but I didn’t see anything real damning. Still... It’s not like I have a lot of time to chase him around, but if the girls can’t reach him and call me... Don’t worry about this. We’ll get it straightened out.”

“Do you think he’s having an affair?” Addie asked, grabbing one of the cookies and taking a big bite.

“I suppose it’s possible, but honestly I doubt it. Scott is very critical of men who step out on their wives. But believe me, I’ll conduct a thorough interview. It’s one of my particular skills.” Then she smiled. Weakly.

“Where was he supposed to be last night?”

“A bowling tournament. He’s in two leagues. I guess there’s been some lying. I will find out how much.”

Adele wasn’t buying that smile. “You can talk to me, you know.”

“Thank you, honey. That’s very sweet. I’m sure we’ll work this out quickly. And I won’t tell him where I got the information.”

Justine spoke as if Adele couldn’t possibly be experienced enough to help her through this, to be a confidante.

“I suspect he was in Half Moon Bay because she lives there and he never thought he’d see me,” Adele said. “I hardly leave the house.”

“You’re going to have to change that, Addie. It’s not good for you.”

“Yeah,” she said, noting how quickly the subject changed to her. “I’ll get right on that.”