Chapter 75
I LEAVE LA SERENA feeling anything but serene.
I get to my car and sit there thinking about what just happened.
True, I learned something that explains Ben’s somewhat paranoid behavior and why he’s so nervous around Lily.
But in doing so, I stirred up a lot of painful memories for a lovely elderly woman.
Should I tell Metcalf what I’ve learned? I don’t know. He knew I was headed here to see Mrs. Harrison, but if I mention the conversation, he’ll probably mock me with one of his sarcastic comments. So why bother?
But then, I receive a surprise text from Metcalf: Learn anything interesting?
I could do a whole wiseass back-and-forth just to annoy him. Something beginning with the words Define interesting. But I’m not in the mood. Since he’s asked, I might as well tell him about Teddy, the accident, the coroner’s decision.
To my surprise, Metcalf texts back immediately: Clearly, our little experiment is not getting us the results we were hoping for.
Our little experiment? Does he mean my attempt to get back my job, my reputation, my old life?
His next sentence is even more shocking: Sorry, Elinor. We no longer require your services. You need to give notice to the Harrisons. As of next Friday, your assignment with them is over.