Chapter 32
THIRTY-TWO
Disoriented and confused, I fall against the wall.
My heart hammers with shock and I can’t breathe.
What is happening? The implications rush through my mind and it’s too much to bear.
I must get out of here. I grab the photo album and after closing the door behind me, I run back along the passageway and slip on the stairs, barely grabbing the handrail to prevent my fall.
The photo album flies from my fingers and slides to the bottom of the steps.
I stand panting for some moments and then move more slowly.
I pick up the scattered images and stuff them back inside the folder.
With the album gripped tightly under one arm, I somehow make it back to the office.
I fall into the chair, panting, and quickly turn the cameras back on and close the computer.
I must act normal and walk slowly to my bedroom.
My mind is racing so fast and I can hear Jack’s words in my head.
How much he loved Caroline and how no one came close to his first love until he met me.
No wonder—I’m her doppelg?nger. Did he marry me as a substitute for Caroline?
Once inside my bedroom, I sit at my table and flick through the photo album.
There are images of Caroline and Jack at college, their wedding and honeymoon.
They look so happy. The perfect couple. Jack is so young and happiness spills from the images.
I resemble her but we’re not identical, although the painting looks more like me.
In the back of my mind, I wonder if Jack intends to place Caroline’s portrait in the foyer and pretend it’s me.
Is that why he took so much trouble to prevent me from seeing it?
Is my marriage a lie? Uncertainty boils in my veins.
Does he even love me? I pull my phone from my pocket and call Jack.
The call is diverted to his secretary, Julia Hunker.
“This is Mrs. Hunter. I need to speak to Jack.”
“I’m afraid he’s in a meeting.” Julia pauses for a beat. “He should be through by lunchtime. Do you want me to leave him a message to call you?”
The room seems to close in around me. I’m trapped in this house, surrounded by people I can’t trust and now I can’t speak to my husband. Trying not to lose it, I grip the phone so hard my hand hurts. “I know he had a meeting today but this is urgent. I want you to put me through to him now.”
“Mrs. Hunter, when Jack asks not to be disturbed, I don’t disturb him.” She sighs. “I’m sure you understand? He is meeting with a high-profile client to sign contracts for a new development.”
Panic curls in my stomach; it’s as if I’m falling in an out-of-control elevator. I suck in a breath. “If you want a job tomorrow, I suggest you put me through to my husband—now!”
I wait and hear clicking on the line. Julia is obviously telling Jack I’m being a problem. I break down when his voice comes on the line.
“Willow, what’s wrong?” Jack’s voice is like a soothing balm. “What is it, darling? Has something happened to the children?”
I’m crying, tears are spilling down my cheeks. “Jack, why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you what? Are you crying?” I hear footsteps on tile. “What’s happened?”
I tell him about the conversation I overheard between George and Amy and about my visit to the storeroom. “Why are they checking up on me and why didn’t you tell me I look exactly like Caroline? Am I a replacement for the only love in your life? Do you think of her every night we’re making love?”
Silence.
Anger wells and I want to disconnect, pack my bags and go back to LA but I stand my ground. “Well?”
“I wish you wouldn’t go through the storerooms or the loft when I’m not with you.
” He clears his throat. “There are many things in my past that might need explaining, I’ve never said I was a monk.
Willow, your resemblance to Caroline is just a coincidence is all.
She was a long time ago. This is our time now.
Please don’t allow this to upset you.” I hear a door close and Jack lowers his voice.
“You’re nothing like her and no, I rarely think of her and never when I’m with you.
I married you because I love you, Willow, and for no other reason.
I have no idea what George and Amy think they’re doing but I’ll speak to them when I get home.
” He takes a breath. “I need to get back to my client. This is a multimillion-dollar deal and I just walked out on him mid-sentence.”
I swipe at my tears with my sleeve. He is trying to soothe my ego but I can’t erase my suspicion that something is very wrong.
How come I’m the only person seeing it? Two wives die in accidents, with the same people at the scenes.
The staff are plotting against me with my husband and he didn’t even try to deny it.
What else is he hiding from me? I’m trembling but this call is getting me nowhere.
It seems I need to go it alone to discover the truth. “Okay. I’m sorry to disturb you.”
“Don’t be. I understand and I’ll be home soon.” He disconnects.
I’m staggered by his evasion but I’m more determined now to keep going.
I need the photo album to match up the faces of the people involved over the time both Caroline and Laura died.
I go through the album and, using my phone, copy the group images.
Now all I need to do is find the same information about Laura.
Will I find photographs in the loft or secreted inside Laura’s boudoir?
The thought of going back inside that room sends chills down my spine.
I really have no choice. I must discover who was involved because next time it might be my neck on the line.