Dying for the Truth (A Rockcrest Cove Cozy Mystery Book 4) by Emily Page Read Free Book Online

relationship with Evan.”
     
    “Of course not,” she agreed. “But I knew it would just be a matter of time before you found out. It wasn’t entirely a secret.”
     
    “Really?” Bailey interjected. “How many people knew about your relationship?”
     
    “My guess is just about everyone at the bakery.” Kelsey thought about it for a while. “Those who worked with my husband, and possibly a few others at the club where we used to meet.”
     
    Maddie shook her head as if to get the cobwebs out. “I’m confused,” she said. “You weren’t hiding the affair.”
     
    “No, we weren’t,” Kelsey confirmed. “My husband and I have been married only in appearances for quite some time now. If he wasn’t in office, we would have been divorced quite some time ago. But we agreed that as long as he stayed in office, I would remain with him. Once his term is over, we’ll proceed with the divorce as planned.”
     
    Maddie and Bailey both looked on at the casual way she explained her situation. Speechless for a moment, it was hard to argue with that reasoning.
     
    “So, your husband knew about the affair?”
     
    “Of course he did. He has had his own flings on the side, you know.”
     
    There went their idea of a jealous husband or of someone trying to blackmail them, Maddie thought. “And how did you feel when you heard the news about Evan?”
     
    “Naturally, I was devastated,” Kelsey said honestly. “I went through a wide range of emotions, I guess.” She spoke as if she was analyzing her reactions for the first time. “I was shocked at first, then I was angry, and maybe even felt a little sorrow and regret too. I thought about all of the things we could have done had I just left my husband sooner.”
     
    “I suppose so,” Maddie said. “I’m not sure how I would have reacted to the news.”
     
    Kelsey took a tissue from her bag and dabbed the corner of her eyes without removing her sunglasses. Bailey was impressed at her skill in such refined grieving. She didn’t think she would have been so ladylike if in the same situation.
     
    “What do you plan to do now?”
     
    “I don’t know. This whole thing has blindsided me, you know? I don’t know what to do.” A long exhale came from her lips as Kelsey lowered her head in order to regain some semblance of composure.
     
    “You know,” she continued after a few minutes, “I was planning a party this weekend. Evan was going to cater it for me.” She gave a little wry smile as she thought of him. “He had such good ideas.” Another long exhale escaped her lips, like air rushing from a balloon. “The sad thing is that it’s too late to cancel, but I’m not sure I can deal with all the preparations, now.”
     
    Maddie reached out and put a gentle hand on Kelsey’s. “I can help you with that,” she offered.
     
    Kelsey didn’t answer right away. She almost appeared to not have even heard the offer. Her head slowly rose up and met Maddie’s eyes. “Excuse me?” she said. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
     
    Maddie gave her a gentle pat on the arm. “Let me help you with the party,” she said. “Just give me the details and I’ll take care of everything for you. That way you won’t have to worry about anything you don’t want to.”
     
    The muscles in Kelsey’s face began to relax. “That would be so wonderful,” she said, a noticeable lift in her voice. Her whole body posture seemed to relax at the news of getting help for her party.
     
    The rest of the afternoon took on a much lighter tone as the three of them set about making plans for her party. After several hours, the tensions were much more relaxed all the way around. There was even a little laughter to enjoy throughout the afternoon. As they walked out of the restaurant into the bright sunlight, Bailey squinted her eyes and immediately started to dig in her bag for her sunglasses. Maddie and Kelsey stood at the steps waiting for her.
     
    “You know,