Maybe I was crazy but no one in my life really understood what all this secrecy had done to me. I felt like a different person than who I was just weeks ago. Having your whole life turned upside down could do that to a person. I was finally taking control of my situation and it felt good. I was going to find the answers no matter what anyone else thought. I hit send, then turned the ringer off and put my phone back in my pocket. Surely Travis mentioned to her by now that I’d borrowed his car again but since I told him I was just running errands, she would now know that I’d lied. I couldn’t bring myself to read her reply when it inevitably came through. There was no turning back now.

I raised my hand and knocked on the door, the bright afternoon sun blasting my back and making me sweat. My other hand was in my jacket pocket, fingering the pepper spray I’d decided to bring, just in case. I knew I probably didn’t need it since I was just going to be seeing Rosie, but it was reassuring to feel it in my hand. On the ride up, I’d mentally gone over all the moves Andie and I had learned at the self-defense class we’d taken last year after increasing reports of muggings in our neighborhood. I’d done it for safety, while Andie had spouted on about becoming a badass. Hannigan’s words still rang in my ear, feeding my concern about what lay ahead. There were too many coincidences to ignore: everything pointed to Cris and I couldn’t deny it any longer. I had to keep digging and find proof to stop him. Visiting their home was my only option to find that proof. I smiled as the door creaked open but it quickly fell from my face.

Standing in front of me was not Rosie, but Cris. ‘Liz, how are you?’ he said calmly. I wasn’t sure if I was imagining it but it felt like the small smile he gave me didn’t quite meet his eyes. I felt nauseated, really second guessing my decision to rush up here now.

‘Hi, Cris,’ I said, clearing my throat after it came out hoarse from my surprise. ‘I didn’t realize you’d be home today.’

‘Oh, well my afternoon appointments were rescheduled so I ended up having the rest of the day off. Rosie had to run an errand but she shouldn’t be gone long. It’s a nice surprise that you were able to take a half-day off work and make an impromptu visit. Come on in.’ He opened the door wider, ushering me through.