Deadly Lies by Chris Patchell

unmistakable face of Abigail Watson. The serious set of her lips did little to detract from her fragile beauty.
    Jill flipped the envelope over. Maybe she wasn’t the only one having doubts about their marriage.
    Within minutes, Alex descended the stairs. His bare feet slapped against the hardwood floor as he walked down the hall. Reaching into the kitchen cupboard, Jill pulled out a mug.
    “Would you like some coffee?”
    “Yes, thanks,” Alex said quietly as he sat down at the island.
    Silence hung heavy between them, and Alex directed his gaze toward the newspaper, quickly skimming yesterday’s headlines. Avoiding eye contact, Jill surmised. He wasn’t going to make this easy. Then again, why should he?
    Turning, she opened the door for Molly. The big yellow Lab came in and trotted across the kitchen to Alex, tail swinging behind her.
    “Good morning, girl,” Alex said, stroking her head, and was rewarded with a lick on the hand.
    “I’m sorry we argued last night,” Jill said, breaking the silence at last.
    “Me, too.” Alex did not glance up.
    “I said some things I shouldn’t have.”
    “It’s nothing that you haven’t said before.”
    “You’re right. I’m awful. Why do you stay with me?”
    Her tone was venomous, an outpouring of bitterness and guilt. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she wished she could take them back, but as usual, it was too late. Her reflex to strike back seemed to win out every time. When would she learn to control her impulses?
    Alex looked up, his brown eyes meeting hers.
    “Come on, Jill. Let’s just talk, okay?”
    “Okay.” She let out a long, shaky breath.
    “What’s going on with you?” Alex said, leaning back in his stool, studying her intently.
    “I told you, work has been stressful.” She fought to keep her voice even. His gentle but steady probing was unnerving, bringing last night’s argument back into sharp focus.
    But what could she say? There were so many parts of herself that she didn’t want to share. Couldn’t share. Especially not with him.
    He stared at her as if waiting for her to say something more. When she didn’t, he shook his head.
    “Work pressure is nothing new. I think there’s more to it.”
    “You’re reading too much into things.”
    His head cocked to one side as he watched her. The urge to squirm was squelched under the intensity of his gaze. Despite his soft tone, she couldn’t escape the sense of being interrogated
    “Maybe, but I don’t think so. I’ve noticed a change in you ever since you got your promotion.”
    “Like what?” she asked, an edge creeping into her voice. Did he know about Jamie? Was he waiting for her to tell him about Jamie? No, Alex wouldn’t be the type of guy to sit around on the sidelines and wait for her to confess. But still, she couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling that he knew more than he was letting on.
    “Small things. You’re edgy. Distant. You don’t seem to enjoy being at home. You’re dressing differently.”
    “Different how?”
    Alex paused, his head tilting to one side, as if choosing his words carefully.
    “More skirts, fitted blouses, high heels. Sexier.”
    “Yeah, I got a raise so I bought myself some new clothes. Are you complaining about me spending money?” Her heart raced. Maybe he did know and was baiting her.
    “Of course not. You know I don’t care about that stuff.” He angled his head as he watched her. “It’s just different.”
    Alex reached across the table to rest his hand on hers. The warmth of his fingers radiated up her arm. Her automatic impulse was to withdraw her hand, but she left it in place. They needed to work through their problems, and pulling away from him now was not going to help matters.
    “Listen, I just want to know what’s going on with you. You can tell me anything, you know?”
    Jill felt her eyes moisten, defenses wavering ever so slightly. Maybe she could open up. Maybe she should tell him how scared she was