The Liar Next Door by Nicola Marsh

Fifty-Six

Frankie

NOW

I’m checking off the RSVPs for Saylor’s baby shower when my cell rings. It’s an unknown number and I usually ignore those but it could be an invitee who prefers to call rather than text an acceptance, so I answer.

“Hello, Frankie speaking.”

“Is that Francesca Forbes?” The woman’s voice is cool yet professional.

“Yes.”

This can’t be a baby shower guest, because I hadn’t given my full name on the invitations, just Frankie and my cell number.

“This is Betty Egmont from the Regional Bank.”

My confusion increases. Why would someone from the bank where Walter is the manager call me? “What can I do for you, Betty?”

“I’m calling because you’re listed as Walter’s emergency contact.”

My heart skips a beat. Something has happened to Walter. I knew there had to be a reason why he hasn’t returned my calls. Though in my moment of panic I’m slightly annoyed he hasn’t removed my name as his emergency contact.

“Is he okay?”

“That’s why I’m calling. We don’t know. Walter was due back at work a few days ago and he hasn’t shown. We’ve reported him to the police as a missing person.”

I stumble and make a grab for the nearest chair before collapsing into it. I scramble to think. How long ago did I first call him? A few weeks? Has he been missing that long?

“Do the police have any leads?” Even asking the question is surreal. I’ve watched countless police procedurals on TV; I never thought I’d get caught up in a real missing person case.

“I’m afraid not, but they advised me to notify you. They may want to interview you over his disappearance.”

A cold clamminess washes over me. “But I don’t know anything. He’s my ex-husband and we haven’t seen each other in years.”

“Oh. Right.” She sounds surprised, and I don’t blame her—I’m his emergency contact, but I have no idea why. Then again, considering our last conversation about two months ago, when he’d been concerned about Julia and intent on breaking off their relationship once and for all, it makes sense he’d remove her. But surely he has someone else closer than me?

“If you hear anything at all, can you let me know, please?”

“Yes, I’ll keep you posted,” Betty says, and her voice wavers a little. “Walter was extremely well liked here at the bank. He’s a great boss and everyone respects him.”

I hate that I notice she uses past tense when describing how well-liked Walter is. There has to be a logical explanation for this. I refuse to consider any other outcome.

“Thanks for letting me know, Betty.”

She hangs up and I’m left reeling. I’m worried about Walter. It’s totally out of character for him to disappear without telling anyone, let alone miss work, which means there’s something seriously wrong.

I remember watching the news with him nightly in the early days of our marriage and one evening a story about a father who’d disappeared had come on. The reporter had gone on to say he’d been found safe and sound a few days later and that the man had wanted some timeout from the stress of his work and family. Walt had been appalled at the man’s selfishness and had assured me he’d never do something like that on a whim, that people who put their loved ones through the torture of not knowing what had happened to them should be made an example of.

So I know Walt would never walk away from his job, his life, which means it’s a big deal if he’s missing, and I’m terrified something awful has happened. But I’m at a loss what to do. I suppose I’ll have to wait for the police to contact me.

While I’m desperate for news of Walt, I’m concerned about the police coming around here asking a bunch of questions. Questions that will lead to answers I’d rather not give in the presence of my husband; like how I converse annually with my ex on our anniversary, how we’ve spoken to each other more frequently lately and why.

I can’t risk them finding my letter and the paternity test. Walt is so methodical I know where he keeps important documentation, which means if the police do a thorough search of the beach house, they’ll find it. I can’t let that happen.

I need to be proactive. Pre-empt them coming here.

To do that, I may need to take a trip.