Chapter 5 #3
‘What’s it like living in Silverleaf Heights?’ Alicia asks. ‘I can’t even imagine. Xander’s shown me photos, and it looks amazing. Like a rare gem in the middle of the rolling Surrey Hills. A breath of fresh air.’
‘I suppose it is a bit like that,’ I say. ‘It feels like we’re detached from everything else. Like it’s a town of its own. I know it’s not – there are only five houses, but . . .’
‘I’m so envious,’ Alicia says. ‘I haven’t had a chance to see his house yet.
It’s just a bit too out of the way. And he’s so busy with work.
’ She glances at Xander, who is listening attentively to what Leo is saying, nodding his head enthusiastically.
‘We always go back to mine, as it’s not too far from work.
’ Her smile fades and she takes a long sip of wine.
‘I really wanted to go back to Xander’s tonight, as we’re his way, for once, but he’s got an early meeting in the morning and still needs to prepare for it.
He says I’m too much of a very welcome distraction!
’ She laughs, but I can sense her anxiety.
I glance at Xander. ‘Maybe he’s worried his place is too messy for guests?’ I joke.
Alicia smiles. ‘Ha, I wish it was that. But Xander’s actually really tidy. At least, at work he is. You should see his desk – nothing out of place, not even a paper clip. Even the Post-it Notes stuck on his computer are exactly parallel to each other. I imagine he keeps his house the same.’
I try to recall what I can of his home from last night, but I was too distraught to take much in. There didn’t seem to be enough in there to make a mess. ‘I’m sure he’ll invite you soon,’ I offer.
‘To be honest, I think he’s a bit scared,’ Alicia says.
‘His wife left him, so the last thing he’s thinking about is jumping into something serious.
’ She gulps more wine, then runs a manicured finger over the rim of her glass.
‘I know he cares about me, but I think he knows I’m the kind of woman who’ll make herself at home in his place!
’ She laughs again. ‘He’ll get there in the end. ’
Leo and Georgia have both already told me about Xander’s marriage ending, although neither of them went into much detail. As much as I want to ask Alicia, it wouldn’t be fair on her; as open as she seems, Xander’s ex-wife is the last thing she’ll want to discuss tonight.
‘Yeah, being burned before could explain it,’ I say, glancing at Xander, who is still busy chatting to Leo. Something about electric cars versus petrol.
‘Xander says you’re a teacher? Such a rewarding career,’ Alicia says.
A familiar cold sliver runs through me. ‘Um, I am, but I left the school I was at and haven’t decided whether I’ll go back to teaching.’
‘Oh, that’s a shame. But it’s such a demanding job, or so I understand. Teachers are leaving in droves, aren’t they?’
‘Don’t get me wrong – I love it. But I want to explore other things.
I’m also a qualified yoga instructor.’ I’d completed a course while I was teaching but I hadn’t done much with the skills I’d learned until after my attack.
I hadn’t realised how much yoga would help with my recovery, both physically and mentally.
Her eyes widen. ‘Really? I love yoga. There was a weekly class that I used to go to, but the instructor’s ill and said she’s not sure when she’ll run it again. It’s been two weeks, and I miss it so much.’
‘You could come and do a session with me?’ I say. Although I’m just making small talk, I realise I wouldn’t mind if Alicia took me up on this offer.
‘Really?’ she says, surprising me with her enthusiasm. ‘I’d pay, of course. And hopefully it will help you if you’re planning to set up your own business.’
‘Oh, no, you don’t have to pay. I need to make sure I can actually teach yoga to people. It’s one thing doing an instructor’s course . . .’
Alicia takes a sip of wine. ‘True. Experience is everything, right? Hey, I’m off on Fridays, and I’ll be in the area tomorrow. Or is that too short notice?’
I mull this over. I’ve been itching to teach yoga, and Alicia is warm and friendly; it would be nice to spend time with her. ‘No, that’s fine. I don’t have anything planned. And you’ll get to see Silverleaf Heights.’
Alicia’s eyes widen. ‘I would love that.’
I nod. ‘Leo will be at work. Come around eleven.’ If Xander has been with Alicia for three months and hasn’t invited her to his house, there could be a reason other than him being scared to commit. And the more I find out about everyone at Silverleaf, the better.
Alicia pulls out her phone and starts tapping. ‘It’s in the calendar. Thanks, Ria. Now I don’t have to wait for an invitation from His Highness.’
‘What’s that?’ Xander says, facing Alicia. ‘Talking about me, by any chance? I heard my title.’ He laughs.
Alicia jabs his arm. ‘Nothing for you to worry about,’ she says, turning back to me and winking.
The food arrives, and I try to lose myself in the conversation we’re having. But beneath it, I’m unnerved and on edge, my body stiffening every time the restaurant door opens.
Xander is humorous and entertaining, and staying quiet allows me to build a picture of him. He seems like an amiable man and, although he likes to talk about himself, he’s kind and attentive to Alicia and he and Leo appear to have a mutual respect for each other.
I finish my chicken, then excuse myself to go to the toilets.
Once inside, I check my phone to see if I’ve been sent another anonymous WhatsApp message.
This time I’ll be ready to screenshot it.
But there’s nothing. The words This message was deleted stare back at me, chilling my bones.
Whoever sent it, and for whatever reason, it’s evidence that I’m not safe.
Outside in the corridor, I almost career into Xander as he comes out of the men’s bathroom.
‘I’m so sorry,’ he says, even though he’s not to blame.
‘No, it was my fault.’
He peers at me. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Just a headache,’ I lie. ‘Alicia’s really nice. Easy to talk to.’
Xander nods. ‘Yeah, I think so. I’m lucky to have met her.’
We make our way to the door leading back to the restaurant, but before he opens it, Xander hesitates.
‘Listen, I really like Leo. Respect him, too. And you, from the short time I’ve known you.
This is a bit awkward, but I feel like I need to say it.
’ He pauses. ‘I just don’t think it’s a good idea to keep insisting you saw someone killed right outside our houses.
I mean, think about it logically. I scanned the whole area right after you rushed out.
I know this sounds harsh, but I just don’t see how it’s plausible.
’ He sighs. ‘Having you as our neighbours in Silverleaf is great, and I wouldn’t want you both to leave – I feel like I’ve found a friend in Leo.
Please, Ria, I’m begging you – for your own sake as well as Leo’s – can you let this go?
The posts and the drawing. I was there with you, and we checked the whole green.
There was absolutely nothing there, was there?
No chance someone could have moved a dead body. ’
I stare at Xander, processing his words and what they mean. It doesn’t feel like a threat, and his concern seems genuine.
But it’s clear that his words are another warning to me, just like Georgia’s.