Kate took a few sips and leaned back against the sofa. Why was her heart still beating so furiously? Simon had been arrested. They had her mother’s killer. She was safe now. She imagined Simon in handcuffs, professing his innocence while being dragged away. She’d wanted to go, to be there watching behind the two-way glass as he was questioned, but Detective Anderson had told her it was a bad idea. And in the end, she had to agree.

Blaire came back a few minutes later. “Here you go.” She handed Kate a plate with a piece of toast cut in half and covered in jam.

“Thanks.” Kate took a small bite and felt her stomach turn with nausea. Putting the plate next to her, she took another sip of tea. “Mmm, this is good. Peppermint?”

Blaire smiled. “Yes, I remember how much you always loved it. I’m still a die-hard coffee drinker.” She stretched and yawned. “So what should we do today? Now that you don’t have to be a prisoner in your house any longer, we should celebrate.”

Kate arched a brow. “I don’t know if finding out my husband is a killer is a reason to celebrate.”

“Of course not—that’s not what I meant. Don’t you want to get out of here, though? Even just walk around the mall. Something.”

The idea of being able to do whatever she wanted without worrying about being watched was a liberating thought. “Actually, that’s a great idea. I’d love to go to a bookstore and just wander around.”

Blaire stood. “You won’t get any objections from me.” She smiled at Kate again. “Let’s go.”

Kate held a finger up. “Do you think they’ve gotten to the beach yet? I want to connect with them before we leave.”

“Give it another half hour.” Blaire sat back down. “It’s been ages since I’ve been to the beach house. Probably looks completely different now.”

“Not too much. We’ve updated some of it. The rooms are pretty much the same. Annabelle has my room now. Still has the mermaids. Mother never did get around to changing that. But Annabelle loves it.”

“What about my room?” Blaire asked, an edge to her voice.

Kate was taken aback. “Oh, um, Simon uses that as his office.”

“Of course he does.”

Kate gave her a confused look. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing, I just meant that he takes whatever he wants with no regard to anyone else.” She leaned back in the chair across from Kate. “Well, he’s out of your life now. I’m just relieved we found out the truth before he could have hurt you or Annabelle.”