Page 54 of Promise Me Never

“Yeah, that’s what I wanted your advice on.” She filled Jessica in on the latest but held back the information about Bennett’s high school girlfriend. Jessica hadn’t yet met Bennett, and she didn’t want to paint the wrong picture to her.

“Whoa! That’s crazy. Sounds like she’s been stalking you. How did she know you were going to be at the candy store?”

“I was wondering that myself. She must be following me. At first I thought she was a crazed fan or something, but then she sent that picture.”

“Maybe she is a fan and went to a book event. Could it have been a selfie from something like that?”

“No. I’ll text it to you now. They were clearly all out to dinner together.” She sent the picture. A moment later, Jessica spoke.

“Hmm. I see what you mean. So that was Poppy?”

“You can say it. She was fricking gorgeous.”

Jessica didn’t disagree. “All right, so this woman claims she was Poppy’s friend. That appears to be true, but she could still be unhinged. Please be careful. Don’t go anywhere with her.”

“We’re meeting at a restaurant. I’ll be fine.”

“Let’s location share. I’ll feel better if I can see where you are.”

Savannah laughed. “Okay. Now who’s being a little stalkery?” But she went to her settings and added Jessica, and then a few seconds later Jessica’s location was shared too.

“Call me as soon as you finish.”

“Will do. Bye.”

She was ending the call when she heard Felicia’s Volvo pull up. It was still hard for her to get used to having someone come to the house every day. Savannah also felt odd having her laundry done for her, but Bennett kept reminding her that that was what a full-time housekeeper was for. But she did have to admit that it was great having meals prepared each day and all that was required for her was to reheat them. She had so much time on her hands now, Bennett would wonder why she wasn’t further along on the book. But how could she concentrate when there was a woman accusing her husband of being a killer?

Savannah walked by Bennett’s locked office door and stopped. She tried the handle even though she knew it would be locked. It had a deadbolt on it so it wasn’t even like she could try to use a paper clip to get in. Every day that she passed it, it was becoming more and more intriguing to her. Why was Bennett so insistent that no one enter? You would think he’d at least let Felicia vacuum and dust, especially as he insisted she come every day. Was there something lurking behind those doors that he didn’t want anyone to see? And if so, what?

| Forty-Eight |

Before—Poppy

I entered his office bracing myself to discover something horrible, but nothing jumped out at me. The dark wooden paneling wasn’t to my taste, but I could see how it would inspire someone who wrote horror. And the enormous, intricately carved desk was over the top but added to the mystique. In the center of the desk was a desktop computer and two large monitors. The only other items on the desk were a thick thesaurus and our wedding photo in a silver frame. A plush oriental carpet covered the floor, and bookcases lined each wall. I suddenly felt foolish. Henri had made me paranoid. I had half expected to find women’s heads nailed to the walls. I took a seat behind the desk and clicked the mouse. The screen lit up and Bennett’s manuscript populated it. I knew I shouldn’t, but it was too tempting not to look. I took note of the page number so that I could scroll back to where he’d left off, and then I went to the beginning of the document. It was untitled, and the first sentence sent a chill down my spine: Death came for her like a lover in the night. I couldn’t stop reading. The story was engrossing, slightly reminiscent of something but I couldn’t put my finger on what. It had a strong Gothic feel, and I could picture his fans curling up by the fire and devouring Bennett’s words. I heard the chime of the clock and realized I’d been in here for over an hour. He would be back soon. This was my last opportunity to look around. I had Henri in my ear chastising me for not looking in the drawers.

I pulled the top drawer on the right open. Pens, paper clips, sticky notes. All organized neatly. The second drawer had his stationery: Bennett Bryson emblazoned in navy blue on cream paper. The bottom drawer wouldn’t open. I pulled several times, but it wouldn’t budge.

I went back to the manuscript and returned it to the page he had left it on. I saw that there was an open browser, and curious, I clicked on it. My mouth dropped open. I couldn’t believe my eyes. How could he do this? The implications of what I was seeing rushed over me, and I sat in stunned silence, scrambling to think of what to do now. Could he have an explanation for this? Maybe this was another form of research. It had to be. The alternative was unthinkable. I’d talk to him tonight on our way to the Hamptons. I was sure he’d be able to put my mind at ease.

| Forty-Nine |

Savannah

Savannah opened the restaurant door and glanced around, relieved to see that the woman wasn’t there yet. She had intentionally arrived half an hour early so that she’d have time to compose herself. She was seated at a corner table by the window where she had a view of the sidewalk and the front door.

“Can I get you something to drink?” the server asked.

“Diet Coke—um, actually, a glass of Malbec.”

“Coming right up.”

Moments later the server placed the glass in front of her. “Would you like to order?”

“I’m waiting for someone.”

“I’ll check back.”

Savannah lifted the glass and took a long sip. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She took another sip of wine, then turned her phone to silent. The restaurant door opened, and she held her breath. A brunette wearing a camel-hair coat approached the table. As she got closer, Savannah realized it was her. Her eyes met Savannah’s and she quickened her step. When she reached the table, she extended her hand.