Chapter 26
I left work a half hour early, telling Tess I had a doctor’s appointment.
I climbed into my car and drove to the university, parking in the same lot Alex always did.
I sat and watched as students and faculty disappeared after a long day.
My eyes carefully watched the door Alex always exited out of.
An hour had passed. Maybe he did have a faculty meeting after all.
Then the door opened, and I saw him. My belly tightened as he walked to his car, climbed inside, and pulled out of his parking space.
I started my car and followed him at a safe distance.
He turned right. Then another right. Then a left.
I gripped the steering wheel harder as I followed him for several more blocks before he slowed in front of a four-story apartment building with white stucco siding.
He parked along the curb and climbed out, standing in front of the building with his bag across his body.
The building door opened, and a young woman stepped outside.
Her black hair was pulled into a messy bun that matched her jeans and oversized sweatshirt.
She smiled the instant she saw him and threw her arms around him.
They spoke for a moment, and then both laughed.
She nodded toward the building door, and they both stepped inside.
I rested my forehead against the steering wheel and closed my eyes.
“I guess you were right,” The Librarian said.
“I’m always right,” I whispered.
“Be cautious, Dahlia. Remember that man is tied to you. And I will not allow you to put our system in danger.”
“I’ll make him disappear. I’ll formulate a plan. A solid plan. One that won’t come back to me. I’ll tell people we’re moving out of Key West. That he got a job at a better university.”
“That might work,” she said.
“It will work. But I have to wait. Every plan needs to be perfectly mapped out. This one will take some time and work.”
She disappeared.
I drove home feeling a sickness in the pit of my belly that I’d never felt before. Was this what women felt when they found out their man was cheating? I didn’t like it. Not one bit.
It was after eleven o’clock when my phone pinged with a text from Alex.
Just got out of my meeting. God, it was awful. I should have skipped it and spent the evening with you. Love you. See you tomorrow. Sweet dreams.
I stared at his lies as rage tore through me. For now, I needed to pretend I didn’t know while I formulated my plan. Everything had to go on as it had been. Alex could never know I found out about his affair until he was lying under the knife that would brutally end his life.
The following morning, I responded to his text message.
Sounds awful. Missed you. I’m going to invite Tess over for dinner tonight. She really wants to meet you.
Count me in. I really want to meet her too. I can’t wait to see you.
I inhaled a deep breath as I read his lies.
Me too. Dinner will be around seven. Don’t be late.
I won’t. I love you.
I set down my phone and didn’t respond.