Remember Me? (Book 1) COMPLETED

Investigation

BETSY

Surprise made me slam on my brakes as I spied the blue sedan nestled in the gravel driveway of Kat's house. Someone had moved in? Already?

Empty boxes littered the front walkway. Yellow light spilled out from the front windows like golden fingers crawling across the lawn, pulling me closer. I parked beside the neighbor's house, whose hedges shielded me from view. A shadow flitted inside the house, a female figure.

Who could it be? The agent had told me the place had been subletted quickly, with a full-price payment. Who would be desperate enough to pay for a six month lease in advance?

The woman disappeared from the window, then stepped out the front door a moment later. She wore a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, looking all like a stay-at-home mom. She turned to the car, and the sudden movement made her red hair, caught up in a ponytail, sway. I gasped.

I stared at her, jaw agape, as she retrieved another box and went back into the house. By the time she disappeared inside, I was certain it was her. I didn't have to see her sea-glass eyes or meet her disdainful glare to know for sure.

Victoria Pitchner. Heat flooded my face at the shame of our last encounter. Me in my pajamas. Victoria leaving the hotel.

My husband disappeared for two days after that; when he came back, neither of us broached the subject. Now, he said he had to go for a business trip to Alabama. To finish a deal.

I'd called her out over the phone about the affair. She denied it. Even so, there was a sharp stone cutting my insides, like a pebble caught under the sole of my shoe, that wouldn't let me give this up. I had to know for sure if she was telling the truth. Or lying through her teeth.

Before I knew it, I had crossed the yard and knocked on her door.

Momentary panic welled up as I heard footsteps cross the house, and I had turned half-way off the steps before the door cracked open.

"Can I help you?"

My face flushed red and I turned. "No, thank you—it was just a mistake—"

"Wait." Victoria studied me, eyes narrowed in concentration. "I know you.... You're the lady from the hotel, aren't you?"

If possible, I felt myself get hotter. I swallowed. "Y-yes, I am."

"Mrs. Chase, then?"

I cursed inwardly, kicking myself that I had given her my name. I nodded stiffly. "Yes."

I was about to turn around and announce that I had to go when the sky broke open. Threatening storm clouds that had hovered over the horizon now stooped overhead. Lightning arched over the downpour. Water soaked into my shoes.

"I'll see myself out," I said, shoes squelching as I turned.

"No, you won't." Victoria's voice was stern, reminding me for a moment of how my aunt used to scold me as a kid. "Wait until the storm passes. Come in." She stepped back and opened the door further. When I hesitated, she added, kinder, "You can leave as soon as it stops pouring. I won't bite, I promise."

Even with her affirmations, I was tempted to turn and bolt across the yard. A bolt of lightning a block away changed my mind and I hurried inside the house.

Stepping out of my shoes, I dried my feet on the welcome mat and followed Victoria into the kitchen. How strange it was that just a few weeks ago, I had stood at the stove, making eggs for Kat's breakfast before we started to pack. I stood in the doorframe, staring, until Victoria's voice broke through my memories.