“I suppose. He did attend the University of Strasbourg, but I think he would have mentioned it.”
Claire stared at the photo, not at all worn or wrinkled, it looked as if David had touched it once, twice maybe. “He must have been wearing this sportscoat the day he died because I found it hanging on his desk chair.”
“Meaning the photo might have been news to him? Might that have caused his heart attack?”
“If it was news to him, maybe. But the coroner and David’s doctor confirmed he had Sitosterolemia which caused the heart attack. But if it was news to him, the shock could cause a weakened heart to stop, I guess?” She shook her head. “You’re the doctor. What do you think?”
“I’m a GP. I’d send you to a cardiologist.”
Claire sighed. “When he traveled to France twice a year to buy wines for his clients, he always asked me to accompany him. Every year he tried to convince me. ‘We can relive our honeymoon. Remember the fun we had browsing the Christmas markets in Alsace? Let’s do it again.’ I never went with him.” A burbling ran through her stomach. “I was and still am driven by my quest of patenting a life-saving swimsuit. Which seems silly as I say it. Why didn’t Ireallywant to return to France?” Her vision blurred as if a fog wrapped around her.
“Earth to Claire.” Marti put her hands on her hips. “I asked, have you searched his laptop?”
“Rick fired me.” She shook her head to clear her mind.
“A week before Christmas? He can’t do that.” Marti blew out a breath that lifted her bangs. “You’ve been with that company for more than twenty years. Why?”
“My invention backfired, and the model accused me of trying to kill her, and she ran out of my office, screaming. She threatened to sue.” Claire jolted to her feet, trying to see above the fog swirling around her. “I have to call the engineer and order a new prototype.”
“Stop it. The model makes a living with her body. If your invention so much as scratched her, she could sue you for lost wages.”
“I think she was scared, and I don’t blame her, but I don’t think she was hurt, at least I hope not.”
“Oh Claire. You’ve become obsessed with this invention.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” She pulled David’s jacket tighter around her. “I should have gone with him.”
“Want to give me a clue about what you’re referring to?”
Claire collapsed back onto the couch. “I always told David I couldn’t get time away, but really I wasn’t ready to start a family.”
“Don’t you think he knew that?”
“Did he?”
“He constantly joked about how your life-saving swimsuit project was no safety feature for your marriage.”
“Do you think he was unhappy?”
Marti headed for the kitchen. “I think he was lonely and missing you.”
So was I, thought Claire, but that was my own fault.
Marti put two bottles of mineral water on the coffee table, grabbed Claire’s hand, and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s search his laptop.”
Claire yanked her hand back. “No.”
“Why not?”
A numbness in her arms traveled up Claire’s shoulders.
“Well, I’m going to try. You stay here and drink.” Marti turned toward David’s office.
“No, don’t!” Claire cried.
“Stop stalling and find out who that child is.”
Claire’s mouth opened again, but no words came.
