Page 25 of No More Lies
“Yeah, it was.”
“So what’s going on with Diane? Is it just this partner thing?”
“That’s what she’s saying, but I don’t believe her.”
“You think she’s lying?”
Steve waited until Carly finished delivering their drinks.
“Thanks, Carly.” He smiled before turning his attention back to Donnie.
“Not lying so much as just not telling me and I don’t know why. There’s something more happening, I’m sure of it. She admitted there is a problem.”
“Have you asked her outright?”
“Yes. She says she’s busy right now. A big case. That we can talk after.”
“So, what now?”
Steve sighed, unsure whether to say anything to Donnie, but the man was his best friend.
“I’m considering asking Mackie to retrieve the texts off her phone.”
Donnie paused, beer halfway to his mouth. “Are you sure you want to do that? I’m no expert, but I think trust is an important part of a marriage.”
“I don’t think she’s cheating on me. I thought it was me, my job. But now, I also think she’s in some kind of trouble, or something is worrying her, and she’s too scared to tell me. Diane got a text message this morning that upset her. Perhaps if I see it, I can work out what the problem is and why she won’t tell me.”
“I take it you’re not planning to run this past Dex?”
“No, I’m not. The man needs to be focused on the op.”
“Your call, but you know he’ll be pissed if he finds out.”
Steve finished his water. “He won’t find out.”
***
IT WAS CLOSE TO MIDNIGHT when Diane arrived home. Her stomach sank when she saw the TV on through the window. She’d hoped by leaving it this late, Steve might have given up and gone to bed.
Unlocking the front door, she stepped inside quietly, so she didn’t wake Megan. Steve stood in the kitchen doorway.
“Hey, Angel.”
“Hey. I’m sorry I’m so late.” She placed her purse on the ottoman, relieved Steve seemed calm and not annoyed.
“Can I get you a drink? Something to eat?”
“No, thank you. I’m too tired. I’m going to go look in on Megan.”
He nodded and she headed upstairs. Megan looked so peaceful, snuggled up with her favorite teddy bear. Steve had won it for her at the fairground two years ago and she refused to go to bed without it now. She swallowed down the threat of more tears.
“She’s full on a Jerry’s burger.”
Though Steve had whispered off her shoulder where she stood by the door frame, she jumped.
“That’s nice.” She looked back at Megan’s face. “She’s growing up so fast.”
When Steve wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned in to kiss her neck, she tensed.