What Lies Beneath: Romantic Suspense by Lila Moore Read Free Book Online Page A

remember the last time we’d held each other in bed. My mind went blank. It was troubling. More and more memories were slipping away from me.
    I tried to clear my head and focus on the pillow’s scent. I imagined Tom in his art room, finishing up a big project. The thought gave me a moment’s peace. Before long, I’d drifted off to sleep.
    I woke to a blaring alarm. For a fraction of a second, I’d forgotten all about the previous night. Then my knee started to throb with a dull ache. The events of last night came flooding back to me along with the woman’s words: “You never remember.”
    But today I did; I remembered everything.
    A rush of excitement overcame me. It felt like progress, but what was I getting closer to? I jumped out of a bed with a renewed sense of energy. I was frightened, but eager to learn more about what happened that night. Once I learned the truth, maybe I could finally move on for good.
    I stood up and promptly fell back down on the bed. My knee was swollen and red; I couldn’t put any weight on it. I touched it gently. Pain shot through my knee. I winced and let out a little scream. I needed a doctor.
    There was a loud pounding on my bedroom door.
    “Mommy? I’m hungry.”
    “Just a second.”
    I tried to stand again, but it was impossible. I couldn’t put any weight on my right leg.
    “There’s cereal on the table,” I called. “You can pour a bowl yourself, like a big boy.”
    “Okay,” he replied excitedly.
    Aiden relished the chance to make his own meals. He loved pouring cereal in the bowl and covering it with sugar.
    I massaged my leg and hoped the pain would subside. There was no way I’d be able to get Aiden to school today. I picked up my cell phone and tried to think of who to call. I wasn’t close with any of the other mothers.
    I scrolled through my Contacts list. I ruled out Maddie. I didn’t want to ask her take Aiden to school. I wouldn’t put it past her to grill Aiden about my life. I didn’t want him answering embarrassing awkward questions about his mother.
    Theo’s number was still on my phone. He was good with kids and Aiden liked him. Could I ask him, though? After the way I’d blown up on him, I wasn’t sure.
    The hell with it, I thought. He was my only option. If he said no, I’d just keep Aiden home for the day.
    I dialed his number. The phone rang and rang. It was about to go to voice mail when Theo answered.
    “Hello?” He sounded distracted.
    “Hi, Theo. It’s Sabine.”
    “Sabine, I’m surprised to hear from you. Is everything okay?”
    I heard the sound of Mrs. Devereaux in the background.
    “You’ll look like common trash,” she was saying.
    “But Mom…” Bella protested.
    “You are not wearing rainbow tights with a polka dot skirt and a ballet top to school.”
    At the sound of her voice, I almost hung up the phone.
    “Sabine? Are you still there?” Theo asked.
    “Yeah, sorry. Everything’s fine. Well, actually, that’s not true.”
    The arguing voices in the background faded away. I heard the sound of a door closing. Theo must have moved into another room so we could talk in private.
    “What happened?” he asked, sounding mildly alarmed.
    “Nothing. I just slipped and fell. I landed right on my knee and it’s swollen. I can’t really walk on it. It’s no big deal. I was just wondering if you could pick up Aiden on your way to school and drop him off with Bella? If it’s not too much trouble. It sounds like you’re busy over there.”
    “Of course I can take him to school. It’s no trouble. I’m just trying to get Bella ready for school. Her mother’s not that helpful.”
    “I can imagine.”
    “Are you okay?” he asked again.
    “I’m fine.”
    I tried to laugh it off, but I could tell he wasn’t buying it.
    “I’ll be right over,” he said.
    “Great.”
    Aiden knocked on my door again.
    “Come in,” I called.
    He skipped into the room, fidgeting and jumping. I could tell he’d had his fill of sugar