We stay up late, drinking wine and making a plan. Jeff advises me to go to Turner first thing and tell her Stephen Black is my alibi. He also suggests we go to Algiers and meet this Thomas Collins guy, find out why his wife was looking for me. This sounds a bit drastic, but I decide to keep my mouth shut for the time being and go with the flow. It’s not like I have any better ideas.

Now the light is streaming into the room from a crack in the curtains, highlighting the beauty of this space: the shabby chic furniture, the gentle atmosphere created by the soft colors and paintings on the wall. Jeff’s sister’s bed is much more comfortable than mine with its crisp white sheets and fluffy pillows. I could stay here all day, wrapped up in someone else’s comfort, wishing for someone else’s life. But I can’t, I’ve got to get to the precinct.

When I leave Jeff’s apartment I close the door gently so as not to disturb him. As I turn to head for my own apartment I see him. Stephen Black. I can’t see his face but I can tell by the suit and polished Prada shoes that it’s him. My heart leaps as I reach to open Jeff’s door again and realize I don’t have a key. I don’t want to knock because that will alert Stephen Black, so I slip into the alcove housing the fire extinguisher, squeezing my body up against the wall. The blood drains from my head. Deep breaths, Becca. The knocking continues, louder now, more aggressive. Clutching my bag to my chest, I wait, wishing for him to go away, to leave me alone.

Stephen Black must be terrified his wife will find out about our little deception. That Grace will leave him, taking their baby with her. And she’d be right to do it; the guy is a creep, a bully and a cheater. What was I thinking when I let him into my bed?

The banging has stopped. Slowly I peep out from the alcove. With a bit of luck, he got the message and retreated. But no, he is still there, running his hand through his hair before leaning to peer at the keyhole. Does he not know how they work? Then he turns this way. Quickly I pull myself back out of sight, my heart pounding, my body shaking. Is he ever going to leave? Christ, please don’t let him walk this way.