Page 10 of Little Twisted Things

“I’m picking up my books and heading back. I’ll be home in a few hours. I just can’t believe this.”

“I’m shook, Alex.”

“So am I. I’m just heading into the bookshop. I’ll call you later. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I pulled into my driveway and noticed a police car next door. Climbing out, I ran over and rang the doorbell. One of the twins answered, her eyes red and swollen.

“Dahlia.” She threw her arms around me.

“I know, honey.” I softly rubbed her back. “I’m so sorry. Where is your mom?”

“In the living room, talking to the detectives.”

I stepped inside and headed to the living room, where I found Kris sobbing on the couch. The two detectives turned and looked at me.

“Kris.” I sat down and hooked my arm around her.

“Oh, Dahlia.” She sobbed. “I can’t believe he’s gone.”

“Excuse me, Mrs. Hadley,” one of the detectives said. “We need to ask you about something we found on your husband’s phone.”

“My husband’s phone?” She lifted the tissue in her hand to her eyes.

The detective pulled out Kevin’s phone and handed it to her.

“We were able to unlock it with his fingerprint at the crime scene.”

She took the phone and scrolled through the racy text messages between her husband and his assistant.

“Do you know who Rachel is?”

“She’s his assistant at the university,” Kris answered. “My God. They were having an affair?” She looked up at the detectives.

“It appears so.”

Her finger kept scrolling. “She was going to New York with him?” Tears started falling again.

“We’re bringing her in for questioning.”

“Is she a suspect?” I asked.

“We’re not sure yet. Mrs. Hadley, we’ll let you know more as the investigation continues. We’re sorry for your loss.” They turned and walked out of the house.

“I can’t believe it. I can’t believe Kevin was having an affair with his assistant. How could I have not seen it?” she sobbed.

“Love is blind, Kris. Most people don’t want to see the truth.”

“I bet there wasn’t a history conference in New York,” she cried.

Damn right, there wasn’t.

“I appreciate you coming by. But I need to spend some time with my girls.”

“Okay. Just know I’m here for you. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you, Dahlia. You’re such a good friend.” She hugged me.