A flicker of panic crossed his face. "Did something happen? Did you misunderstand something?"
He was terrified I'd figured it out.
His whole body went rigid.
"After the company went bankrupt, Kathy resigned and went abroad. I haven't had any contact with her in three years."
"Did she come after you while I was in prison? If she did, I swear I'll make her pay—"
I grabbed his arm and let out a soft laugh. "Relax. I was kidding."
"Murder is illegal, you know."
"You just got out of prison. You think I'd let you go back?"
"I was just teasing."
I turned away, lowering my eyes as I reached for something. He couldn't see my expression.
He thought it was really just a joke. I heard him exhale with relief.
"Pearl, I'm sorry."
"These three years... you must have suffered so much."
I didn't turn around. But in my heart, I was thinking:
It's fine.
Your reckoning is coming.
After Austin's release, I started visiting the hospital more and more frequently.
Dr. Ethan Caldwell looked at me over his glasses. "Are you really not going to tell your family?"
"This isn't some minor illness. Your husband has a right to know."
I shook my head with a faint smile.