The instant I park and cut the engine, I rip my phone from the charger and furiously type out a text to Kaden.
Me:I can’t talk right now, so don’t call. We’ll communicate by text for now, at least until I can manage a conversation without feeling suspicious and uncomfortable.
A minute later, I get a response from him.
Wacko Stranger:I understand, Hope. To be honest, I didn’t expect to hear from you at all. But thank you for getting back to me.
Me:Oh, trust me. This is the last thing I want to be doing. So let’s not beat around the bush. What exactly do you know about my husband?
Wacko Stranger:Unfortunately, there’s just too much to explain over text. I’d much rather show you the proof myself, so you know I’m not making this shit up.
Me:What is this ‘proof’ you keep referring to?
Wacko Stranger:They’re mostly photos, but there are other documents too. I’d much prefer to go over them in person. I know it may seem like I’m being pushy, but given the gravity of the evidence, I want to make sure you have the opportunity to review everything and ask any questions.
Me:How can I trust you? I don’t even know you.
Wacko Stranger:We can meet somewhere of your choice. If you want to meet in a place directly across a police station, then I’m happy to meet you there. Anywhere, you feel the most comfortable and safest.
I gaze out through the windshield, weighing the very few places in my area that would be the busiest and best secured. There’s a large shopping centre nearly fifteen minutes from my house. The food court on a Saturday afternoon would be swarming with people, and with security officers scattered around, I’d have someone to call if I ever needed help.
Me:You said you live in Sydney, right? It’s going to be hard to meet up if we’re a couple of hours away from each other.
Wacko Stranger:I can come to you, if that helps. I don’t mind the drive. It might even do me some good.
Me:I do have a place in mind, but it’s up the coast, north of Sydney.
Wacko Stranger:That works. I can make it without any trouble. Just let me know the exact location, day, and time, and I’ll be there.
Me:Meet me at the Sandy Vale Mall, this Saturday at noon. You can wait for me at the food court.
Wacko Stranger:Too easy. Do you live close by?
Me:That’s none of your business.
Wacko Stranger:I’m sorry. I’m not trying to stalk you or anything. I just want to make sure themall isn’t too far from your place. After you see everything and process it, I’m a little worried you might not be in the right headspace to drive home safely.
Me:I’ll be fine. I’m not a reckless driver, Kaden. I’m sure this is just one big misunderstanding and that there’s a reasonable explanation for it all. But for now, I’ll keep an open mind.
Wacko Stranger:Trust me when I say that once you see all the photos, they’ll be confirmation enough. There won’t be any room for doubt, that’s for sure.
Me:We’ll see. Anyway, I gotta go. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.
Wacko Stranger:No worries. I’ll see you Saturday.
I switch my phone off, not bothering to reply, and just stare at the blank screen. My nerves are taut, my pulse hammering fast and sharp, and a wave of nausea is slowly creeping over me. What the hell have I just agreed to? Am I about to make the biggest mistake of my life by meeting this stranger?
There’s no time to think before a sudden, loud knock on the driver’s side window makes me jolt in my seat. I spin towards it and see Adrian leaning down, eyes fixed on me through the glass, his expression tinged with worry.
I fling my phone into my tote and swing the door open, bracing myself as I step out to face my husband.
“Hey. Why were you just sitting in the car? I was waiting for you to come inside.”
“Sorry, I was just texting Mum. She wanted to know which plant would make a good gift for someone who isn’t exactly a green-thumb.”
“Oh, I thought it was something serious. You looked worried.”
“No, I was just thinking. You know I take my plants seriously.”
