“See that door.” Ruby walks over to what looks like a closet and slides open the door. “In here you’ll find stationery and printers for large documents or the regular size ones. Just print as usual and the document will be in here. Jack is very organized.”
I stand and peek into the room. “That’s good to know. I’m hoping to reclaim the main bedroom upstairs and convince Jack to clear out all of Laura’s clothes but he has difficulty letting go of her possessions. When he comes around to my way of thinking, I’ll need a storage area. Any ideas?”
“I believe he stores some of her personal items in the loft but perhaps one of the bedrooms on the third floor would be more suitable. Maybe if we get someone in to line the walls with closets, the garments can be hung inside?” Ruby taps her bottom lip. “Then he’s not throwing out anything, is he? I’ll speak to him as well. Maybe if we form a united front, it will work?”
I’m enthusiastic by her willingness to help. “Yes, if you can convince him that would be brilliant. Of course, all her jewelry, I’ll make sure is in the safe. We do have a safe, don’t we?”
“I believe there are several.” Ruby went to a picture and it swung back to reveal a large safe. “There’s this one. One in themain bedroom, so maybe there are more of her things in there. One in the sitting room and maybe more. You’ll need to ask Jack. This one is used for contracts and other documents regarding his business and the house. The others, I have no knowledge of the contents. Jack doesn’t give me that information.”
Excitement at getting things moving spurs me on. I can imagine how the main bedroom would look if I made the changes I require. “Okay, I’ll make a list of my proposed changes and run them past Jack.”
“No, you won’t.” Ruby smiles. “He told me to call in whoever you need to make you happy. The architect will talk to him.” She indicates to my phone. “May I? I’ll add my number and contact email. He mentioned bed linen and drapes as well? Just send a list along of what you prefer and I’ll order them.” She sighs. “I’ll also arrange for the architect to drop by and speak to you. We’ll need him to make sure we stick to code. He’ll arrange any work that needs doing and all you’ll need to do is supervise and make sure it’s what you want.”
I hand her my phone. “How long will it take to get someone here?”
“We’re always busy but I’ll make sure to find someone suitable.” Ruby thumbs in her details and hands the phone back to me. “Jack will make it a priority so not long at all.” She checks her watch. “I have a video meeting in five, I’d better go. Catch you later.” She hurries away and her high heels clatter on the floor.
I lean back in the chair mulling over what she said.Most of Laura’s personal things are in the loft.Jack told me the upper part of the house is never used, and nobody goes there. It’s no wonder if the rumors of strange happenings are true. I consider going to search the loft and hesitate. What could possibly happen in daylight? The rooms in the top part of the house are empty or the furniture is draped with dust covers. How long hasit been since anyone went to the loft? Yesterday, Jack made it quite clear that going upstairs would be a waste of time—does he know about what happens to people searching the house alone and has kept it from me? I shake off the impending feeling of dread. The loft and its potential secrets are calling to me. What if there are letters or something in Laura’s possessions that tell her state of mind? I have a good excuse to be searching upstairs—not that I need one as Jack’s wife but gossip can cause problems, so hunting for a room for Laura’s clothes would cover me. I need to know what really happened to Laura. There are so many conflicting stories. If I’m ever going to be happy here, I must discover the truth.
FIFTEEN
THREE MONTHS BEFORE OUR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Laura
I stare at my reflection. I no longer look like me. I’m painfully thin, my clothes hang on me and my face has hollows below the cheeks. I need new clothes and Jack is planning a wedding anniversary party aboard theLaura. I can’t meet his friends looking like this. Why hasn’t Jack taken me shopping? Maybe I should make an appointment with him? Yes, it’s that bad. I need to ask Ruby to fit me into his schedule but I’ll have to wave her down the next time she flies past. That woman is always busy. I wonder when she sleeps. I go into my dressing room and pull clothes from the hangers but find nothing to wear. I’m not usually a person who lounges around all day in my nightwear but the skimpy negligees Jack used to love are the only things that fit me—not that he comes to my room anymore.
I take a shower and then drag on a gown only because my hair stylist is due soon. She does my hair three times a week. Maybe I can talk to her, at least she can’t run away or make an excuse not to answer. I’ve sent emails to my friends but very few reply. It’s as if I’ve been sent to the naughty corner and that knowing me is social suicide. Although, looking at me now, I’mnot surprised. I wrap a towel around my wet hair and grin at my reflection. I don’t care. They’re all fakes, hanging around Jack in case I catch an incurable illness. Any one of them will jump into my place before my corpse is cold.
Wrapping the gown around me and securing it with a belt, I walk out into the hallway as Jack comes out of his bedroom with Ruby beside him. He’s dressed for work in his blue suit and she’s Ms. Corporate Fashion, wearing six-inch heels, a jacket, silk shirt and skirt. She has her nose buried in her tablet as usual and is talking a mile a minute. They both stop walking and stare at me as if I’ve suddenly grown two heads. I smile. “Morning, Jack. I’m glad I caught you.” I pull him into my room.
“Are you sick?” Jack examines my face. “Do you want me to call a doctor?”
Surprised by his compassion, I give him my best smile. “I’m fine. I’m getting better all the time but I need new clothes. With the weight loss it seems I don’t have a thing to wear. Can you take me shopping in New York? I’ll need something special for the upcoming business events and of course our anniversary party.”
“That’s not a problem.” He steps outside and turns to Ruby. “I need to organize a shopping trip. Fit it in ASAP.” He looks at me. “There, done.”
“We’ve already discussed this, Mrs. Hunter.” Ruby smiles at me as if I’m a small child. “Monday last. I asked Sue to measure you so I could order you some basic outfits. You can’t go out in your robe.”
I blink, wondering why she is lying to me. I look at Jack. “That isn’t true. I only thought about asking you to make time to go shopping just before, so how could I have spoken to Ruby?”
“She did mention something about you needing new clothes, Laura.” Jack steps closer and runs his hands down my arms.“Don’t get upset. The medication likely makes you forget things. It’s quite normal.”
I want to shout that I haven’t taken the medication for months. Each time he gives it to me I flush it down the toilet. I imagine the sewer rats must all have amnesia by now. I laugh at the notion and catch myself when I see the confused expressions in their eyes. I look at Jack, trying hard not to snigger. “I recall everything else, Jack. Maybe Ruby discussed the clothes with you. I do remember telling her I’d lost weight.”
“Your clothes will arrive today, Mrs. Hunter.” Ruby looked up from her tablet. “They’re coming by courier.”
“If you want me to take you shopping for something special, I’ll make time.” Jack walks me back to my room. “We’ll talk about it later.” He glances at the stairs. “Ah, here’s your hair stylist. I’ll leave you to it.” He kisses me on the cheek and then hurries away, Ruby following close behind.
I stare after them, dumbfounded. I hadn’t spoken to Ruby about my clothes, although I do recall mentioning my weight loss. I can’t recall what day it was. I wave the stylist, Joan, into my bedroom and go and sit in the chair in front of the table below the window. Outside, the waves pound the beach, the sky is angry and dark clouds rush across the horizon.
“How have you been this week, Laura?” Joan combs my wet hair and adds product from a large bag she’d placed on the table.
I don’t mind her using my first name; we’ve known each other since I moved into this horrible house. “Fine. Well, not fine really. I’m not sure if I’m becoming forgetful or someone is playing a sick game with me.”
“How so?” Joan uses her scissors to trim my long hair.
I explain and she nods. “Do I sound crazy to you?”
