I glanced at her and saw her kind eyes. She had one of those pleasant, serene faces that reminded me so much of my nanna. My nanna– the only person other than Miles and the kids who’d ever truly cared for me. I smiled back at her.
‘Will it stay just between me and you?’ As I asked, I knew I shouldn’t have even begun to tell her. But I so desperately wanted advice, or just to talk to someone, and she was the only person in the house who was impartial about it all.
‘Of course,’ she said softly. ‘I wouldn’t be where I am today without being the best keeper of secrets in the house.’
I took a deep breath, weighing how much to reveal. ‘It’s just… I’ve made a mistake. A big one. And I’m afraid it could ruin everything.’
Mrs Harlow’s eyes softened with concern. ‘Oh dear. What kind of mistake?’
I hesitated, then decided to confide in her. ‘I… I hired a ghostwriter for my latest book. And now someone’s threatening to expose me.’
Mrs Harlow’s eyebrows rose slightly, but her expression remained nonjudgmental. ‘I see. And you’re worried about the consequences?’
I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. ‘If it gets out, I could lose my publishing contract, my reputation… everything I’ve worked for.’
She patted my hand gently. ‘That does sound serious. But mistakes happen, dear. The question is, what are you going to do about it?’
‘Well yes, that is the question indeed,’ I said sadly.
‘Does Miles know?’ she asked.
I swallowed. If there was anyone in the house that commanded Mrs Harlow’s loyalty entirely, it was Miles. I shook my head.
‘I don’t know much about being a writer,’ she offered, ‘but I do know a thing or two about having a harmonious partnership. I could tell my late husband anything, even the ugliest parts of myself, and he never baulked. The only advice I can offer you is that in my experience, especially with this family, secrets only grow. Maybe you and your family could be the ones to break that cycle.’
She was not wrong. This secret had grown into a monster and sprouted four heads.
‘I’ve always said honesty is the best policy,’ she continued. ‘But then, Mr Artie Peverill would tell you the exact opposite… And he’s been playing the game of secrets far longer than I.’ She shrugged.
I wanted to tell Mrs Harlow it was Jeannie who had outed me. But something stopped me. Something told me I still couldn’t fully trust her when it came to her long-time employer and the lengths she would go to protect her.
‘Thank you, Mrs Harlow,’ I said with a smile.
‘It’s my pleasure. Now any time you need anything, or anyone to talk to, I’m always here…’ Her voice trailed off as she spotted something out of the window. She stood up abruptly and said, ‘Oh no. What do they want?’
I looked out to see the same unmarked police car from two days ago heading up the driveway.
‘This really couldn’t come at a worse time,’ she said hurrying to exit the room. I followed her, bracing myself for whatever was to come next.
* * *
‘Do not speak! Any of you,’ Jeannie had hissed at us in the foyer before opening the door. You say, “no comment” until Artie gets here, do you understand?’
‘Are they here for Aunt Clem?’ Miles asked.
Jeannie’s lip wavered. The knock on the door made her jump out of her skin. ‘I haven’t told them,’ she said quietly.
‘What?!’ Miles boomed.
‘Sshhhh,’ she hissed. ‘I need to minimise the press. I called Artie and he’s sending around a man he knows on the force. A very discreet man…’
Miles looked stricken, ‘Oh my God, Mother– are you insane?’
The officers at the door were banging loudly now.
‘Just keep quiet until I can get on top of all of this,’ she commanded. ‘Especially you, Fergus! Look at you, you old soak, can’t even stand straight.’ Jeannie smoothed down her skirt and opened the door.
DCI Randolf and DS Birch stood in the entrance with sombre expressions lining their faces.
