The pall over the rest of Christmas Day never abated. When it was finally time for bed, Blaire was relieved to retreat to the peace and quiet of the guest room next to Kate’s bedroom. It was a large room with one entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, along which hung light gray silk curtains. A white deep-cushioned chair and ottoman sat in one corner, across from the king-size white sleigh bed. The colors were soft, muted shades of gray and white, giving the room a feeling of peace and tranquility, and the fireplace was the crowning addition on this cold December night. Blaire took a bath and had just slipped into bed to read when she heard the sound of angry voices coming from outside her room. She sat up and tried to decipher the words, but it was no good. She held herself that way for a few minutes, but as quickly as the voices had begun, they ceased, and she lay back and picked up her book once more. Her phone dinged and she picked it up, thinking it was Daniel. It was a Facebook message from Carter.

Thanks for the friend request ☺ Any chance you’re free to meet for dinner? Would love some uninterrupted time to catch up xo

She smiled and began typing.

Love to. How about Prime Rib tomorrow night?

Seconds later he answered.

Can’t wait. Meet you at 8:00?

It’s a date.

21

The next morning, the events of Christmas Day came rushing back to Kate. She felt the rage course through her again at the memory of Sabrina coming to their house. Who did she think she was, giving Annabelle that doll? A Truly Me doll was not a spur-of-the-moment gift; she had to have ordered it ahead of time.

Kate picked up her cell phone and dialed Detective Anderson.

“Anderson,” he answered on the first ring.

“I want you to take another look at Sabrina Mitchell.”

“Dr. English?”

“Yes, it’s Kate. Did you hear me?”

“You sound quite upset. Has something else happened?”

“That woman came over to my house yesterday with presents for my husband and my daughter. She actually gave my husband a ring. A ring!”

“What kind of ring?” he asked.

“It was her father’s signet ring. She said some baloney like she knew her father would want Simon to have it. But I know what she’s up to. She’s acting like Simon is her husband. I told my mother she was trying to come between us.” The words were pouring out fast now. “My mother was going to talk to Simon—she knew about Sabrina and him. What if they planned it together?”

“I’m on my way over.”

She opened her door and was furious when she saw no one was standing outside the bedroom suite. Where was Alan? “Annabelle! Hilda!” she called as she ran downstairs to find them.