14. Iris
Iris
O n Friday, I drop the kids off and Eva isn’t there again, which I’d expected. Hence why I was up early, making soup so I’d have a good reason to visit her without Billy. I don’t think I can stomach taking a child to their house again, knowing what I know.
I walk up the long driveway to the house and ring the doorbell.
Eva answers and I hand her the Tupperware container. ‘It’s chicken soup. My Gran’s recipe…will fix any ailment she used to tell me.’
She takes the container of soup, looking completely confused.
‘How are you feeling?’ I ask.
Eva scrunches up her face and I clock my misunderstanding.
‘You’re not sick, are you?’
She shakes her head.
‘That liar,’ I mutter, hoping I’m not crossing the line bad mouthing her husband. ‘Matteas told me at drop-off that you were sick.’
She sighs, looking down at her shoes. Gucci trainers. I’m suddenly embarrassed by my filthy Birkenstocks. When she looks up again, there are tears in her eyes.
‘Can I come in?’ I ask, and she pulls the door open wider. We sit on the couch in the lounge room. ‘So what’s going on?’
‘Matteas wasn’t happy about your visit the other day.’ Her cheeks redden and I wish she knew she doesn’t have to be embarrassed in front of me. ‘Archie let it slip and he was angry.’
‘Why? Our kids are friends. That’s what parents do. They hang out while their kids play.’
‘I’m not supposed to hang out like that. Not without him around.’
My mouth drops open. ‘What the fuck?’
She nods.
‘Has it always been this way?’ I ask.
Eva says nothing for a moment, pondering my question, waves of different emotions crossing her features.
‘No, it got worse when we moved here two years ago,’ she responds. ‘You probably think I’m weak and pathetic.’
I pull her in for a hug while the fury inside me threatens to burst. I was already disgusted and furious with Matteas and to hear that she can’t even have friends. It’s manipulative.
‘Absolutely not. In fact the opposite. You’re strong and you’re going to get through this.’
‘Thank you,’ she says, before I let her go.
‘I know you said not to, but I did start digging by the way. I can help you.’
‘What!’ Eva snaps. ‘I said no.’ Her face is red with anger and her eyes narrow on me. ‘Get out!’
‘It’s okay,’ I say. ‘You’ll be safe. My husband—’
‘Iris, I said leave.’ Eva stands, pointing to the door. I know women are often scared when it comes to properly making plans to leave but she’s so angry at me. I give her a moment, but she still says nothing. I unlock my phone quickly and hold it up to her, showing her the photo of Brent and Kyle.
‘Eva, these men are dangerous. Your husband knows them as Eddie and Kyle. Please be careful.’
She glances at the photo briefly and then turns away from me.
I grab my purse and head for the front door. I’m a little shaken but I won’t give up on her, or Archie.
As I start the car, a thought pops into my head.
Two years ago. It’s that two year timeline again.
She said they moved here two years ago. I’m almost certain Matteas is involved with the organisation given his visit with Brent, but now it feels like there’s more to our move than Sam is telling me.
I never questioned his promotion. He said Sergeant, I said congrats.
Better hours, better pay. I never thought to ask for more detail about his role.
Even if I had, there’s a good chance he wouldn’t be able to tell me.
I head home knowing my friendship with Eva is all but over.