The Secrets We Keep Read online

  “We’ll be in town for another few days, at least,” I said. “You can call us later, after you’ve had some time to settle back in your home.”

  “I’d love to take you guys out to dinner tonight,” he said. “We need to celebrate.”

  “I appreciate that, but let’s play it by ear. If you’re not up for it, we can do that some other time.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be up for it?” He brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it. “You’re my hero.”

  Then, he turned away from me and headed toward Rachel’s car.

  When Carter and I got back into the Buick, he said, “Let’s get some breakfast. You haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday afternoon, have you?”

  I could see Andrew and Rachel talking inside her car. Actually, Rachel seemed to be doing all the talking, while Andrew just stared at her. “Do you think Andrew will forgive her for the choices she’s made?”

  Carter gave me a sideways glance. “I don’t know him very well but, if he’s anything like you, he’ll probably give her the benefit of the doubt.”

  “He handled the news well, don’t you think? Although, after what he’s been through, I imagine he could handle just about anything, now.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about him, Sarah. He’ll probably write a book about his experience and it’ll become a bestseller.”

  “I hope you’re right. He deserves a break.”

  “Besides,” he said. “If things don’t work out between them, I bet he’ll move to Bridgeport to be closer to you and Sammy.”

  Just the thought of it made me smile. Sammy would be thrilled beyond belief. I could see his face now, beaming with pride.

  * * *

  A few hours later, I got the call from Andrew. “When are you and Carter heading back to Bridgeport?”

  “Not sure,” I said. “Probably tomorrow morning, why?”

  “Rachel and I had a long talk. I won’t lie, I’m still in shock over everything she said. She … told me about Logan Taylor and how they... how they got together.”

  “It’s not fair,” I said. “I know this sucks for you, and I wish there was something I could do to make it better.”

  “You already have, Sarah. It’s because of you that I don’t want to slit my wrists.”

  I detected some sarcasm there, so I didn’t take his comment literally. “I have an idea. I know you probably need time to work things out in your personal life, but why don’t you come to New Hampshire? Sammy is dying to meet you in the flesh. You can stay with Carter and me for as long as you want. We have a lot to catch up on. Forty years’ worth, to be exact.”

  He laughed. “You’re not just saying that? You want me to come?”

  “Whenever you’re ready.”

  “Um, is tomorrow too soon?”

  Chapter 17

  One week later

  Sammy wanted to have a party. He couldn’t wait to introduce Andrew to all his lady friends at Fairview Estates. I couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so happy.

  He had spent days getting his spare bedroom just right for Andrew’s visit. And ever since he’d arrived from Connecticut three days prior, he’s spent a lot of time in that room, sleeping. After two months in jail, he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in all that time. Apparently, prison cells don’t have the most comfortable beds, not to mention the incessant noise.

  “I’m having the event catered,” he told me, over coffee in his kitchen. “Will you help me plan it?”

  “Why do you want it catered?” I asked. “Why don’t you just let me make a bunch of casseroles and call it done?”

  “Um,” Sammy placed his hand on my shoulder and gave me a regretful look. “I’ve had your casseroles before, my dear. That’s why I’m catering the party. Please don’t be upset.”

  It’s been a running joke in my family, how awful a cook I am. I try not to take it to heart. I’m beginning to accept that I can’t be great at everything. “Then at least let me buy the booze.”

  “It’s a deal.” Sammy’s expression turned serious. “By the way, is there any news about Dr. Boyle and his wife?”

  “Yes. Just this morning we heard that Barry finally confessed. He told the police that his wife planned and executed the murders of Dr. Spealman and Dr. Lenzer. Because of his testimony, he’s not looking at jail time. Tracy, however, is a different story. Looks like her lawyer and the DA are working on a plea bargain. I’m guessing she’ll take whatever is offered, but you never know. She might try and chance it with a jury, but we know how that can go. If need be, Carter and I might have to testify at the trial. I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

  At the sound of footsteps on carpeting, Sammy and I looked up from his dining room table to find Andrew standing in his Simpson’s pajamas, a sheepish smile on his face. He looked well rested, the color returning to his cheeks. “That coffee smells wonderful. Who must I bribe to get a cup of that?”

  It was so good to see Andrew’s sense of humor come out. Sammy has often commented on the fact that Andrew and I are alike that way.

  “Did you sleep well?” Sammy asked him with genuine concern. “I wasn’t sure if you’d prefer cotton sheets or flannel.”

  Andrew joined us at the kitchen table. “Are you kidding me? I’ve never slept better. The sheets are perfect.”

  Sammy shifted back into party planner. “Tell me, what’s your favorite birthday cake?”

  Andrew chuckled. “But it’s not my birthday, Dad.”

  “I know that.”

  “Okay.” Andrew smiled, playing along. “How about ... chocolate with buttercream frosting?”

  “Perfect.” Sammy got to his feet. “I’m going to call Vicki at the bakery to make sure she can do that in time for the weekend.” He excused himself to make a call.

  Andrew turned to me and, with a sleepy expression, said, “Is he like this all the time?”

  “Get used to it. He’s not going to simmer down any time soon. You are the best thing that’s happened to him in a long time.”

  I went to the counter and poured Andrew a cup of coffee. “Do you take cream and sugar?” I asked.

  “Black, thank you.”

  “Me, too.”

  After he took a sip, he smiled, giving me a thumbs up. “Delicious. The coffee in prison tastes like tar. Not that I’ve ever tasted tar before, but you know what I mean.”

  “Have you talked to Rachel since the day you were released?” I didn’t want to push the subject of Rachel, but he seemed to be adjusting to his new life. In fact, he hadn’t mentioned her once since he got to Bridgeport.

  “She called me last night and we talked. It went okay, I guess. When I told her I was planning to move to New England, she offered to buy my house.”

  “Really? What did you say?”

  “I said yes. Makes things much easier for me.”

  “Is she still planning to publish her book?” I asked.

  “Yep. Roger Shefke is still on board. I guess I’m happy for her, even though I resent what she and Logan did to me. I’m just going to have to work through it and accept it. The silver lining, of course, is my new family. Here in New Hampshire.”

  “What about your job? Will your company relocate you?”

  “I guess I’m in no hurry to find something. With the equity from my house, I should be comfortable for a while. I’ll figure it out eventually.”

  I took his hand and held it firmly. “I’m glad you’re here. And you know, if work picks up for Carter and me, maybe you could help us out once in a while. It might be fun.”

  “Are you serious? I don’t have any experience in your line of work.”

  “Well, neither did I until two years ago. Besides, now that you’ve been in the joint, you have some real world experience under your belt.”

  He burst out laughing. “Oh yeah. I’m a real bad-ass now.”

  Of course, I’d only been half serious. “Life has a way of working out. Just be open to new possibilities, and you never know what m
ay happen.”

  He lifted his coffee mug and clinked it with mine. “Amen to that,” he said.

  The End

  The next Sarah Woods is available for pre-order.

  The Killer in Me (Sarah Woods Mystery 18)

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