“Don’t you see? The fact that she even knows about that summer, that the two of them are discussing my mental health, is completely inappropriate. What other proof do you need that they’re plotting against me?”

“Dr. English, I’m not suggesting that you’re crazy or delusional. And I agree that such discussions between your husband and Ms. Mitchell are inappropriate. But you need to try and remain calm.”

“How am I supposed to stay calm when the killer could be living in my house?”

“I understand your concern, but I have no authority to make him leave your house. However, might I suggest you ask your father to come and stay with you for now? That might make you feel safer.”

“I’m still upset with him. He hasn’t told me what he and Mother fought about that day.”

Anderson appraised her before answering. “We’ve cleared him. We have CCTV footage of his car leaving the hospital after she’d already been killed. And hospital staff can account for his whereabouts all evening before he left. Dr. Singer was on vacation when we first questioned the hospital staff and he’s now confirmed that he was with your father during the two hours we couldn’t account for his whereabouts. There was no way he was home when your mother was killed.”

A wave of relief flooded her. Of course her father had nothing to do with her mother’s murder. How could she have even entertained the thought for a minute? She would call him after Anderson left and ask him to come stay. Blaire had offered to stay with her for the next few days as well. Simon wouldn’t try anything with both of them around. And she’d make sure the guard stayed outside her room, and that Annabelle was safely inside with her at night.

“I also wanted to let you know that we got some information back from the florist. Not surprisingly, a prepaid Visa card was used to purchase the roses. We’ve narrowed down the batch and will be trying to determine where it was purchased.”

That was something, Kate thought.

Anderson stood. “Please take care of yourself. We’ll be watching Ms. Mitchell, and I’ll let you know as soon as we have any more information on that credit card.”

“Thank you.”

He left, and Kate went to the study to talk to Blaire. When she opened the door, she saw her sitting in a chair in the corner of the room, typing on her laptop.

“Am I interrupting?” Kate asked.

Blaire looked up. “It’s a welcome interruption. I’m stuck on this chapter. What did Anderson want?”

Kate walked over and started pacing again.

“You’re not going to believe this.”

“What?”

“Sabrina told Anderson about the accident and my seeing a therapist that summer. She said that Simon is concerned about my emotional stability.”