Page 12 of Little Bitter Truths
I wanted to believe him, because he looked pained, like a person tormented by a loved one’s death.And because in high stress situations, people often spoke first and processed later.
“After the separation, did you ask Mia to help you and Wren get back together?”I asked.
He nodded.“I was hoping she’d talk Wren into giving our marriage one last chance.”
“What did she say?”
“She was willing to try.She made it clear that she would talk to her, but she wouldn’t push.”
The waiter returned with our drinks, setting them down and letting us know our food would be out in a few minutes.
“Cooper, can you think of anyone who might have had a reason to harm your wife?”I asked.
For a moment, he remained still.
Then a sob poured out of him, loud enough to turn heads across the restaurant.Tears streamed down his face, and he turned to me.
“I loved her,” he choked out.“I’ll always love her.”
The hostess rushed over with a box of tissues, looking concerned.
“Oh my goodness,” she said, placing the box on the table next to him.“Sir, are you all right?”
“I … yes,” he said.“I’ll be fine.Thank you.”
She gave me a brief side-eye as she stepped away, the look suggesting she thought something I’d said had caused his sudden outburst.
Cooper grabbed several tissues and pressed them to his face.
“I’m sorry,” he said between breaths.“I just can’t believe she’s gone.”
His grief was convincing enough that the entire restaurant had gone silent.
But I was still questioning things.
Foley and Whitlock had described Cooper as a good man.A gentle man.
Maybe he was, or maybe he knew how to play the part when it suited him.It didn’t seem like a part, though—or an act, for that matter.
He blotted his eyes a few more times and set the crumpled tissues aside.
“I’m sorry,” he repeated.“It’s a lot to process.”
“I understand,” I said.“We can take a break if you like.”
“It’s okay.I’d like to keep going.”
That suited me just fine.
“Did you and Wren argue often?”I asked.
“No.”
“Did either of you have an affair during your relationship?”
“No.”
“Did Wren ever mention being followed, threatened, or harassed by anyone?”
