Page 38 of Laced With Secrets

“Of course I did!” Margie’s frustration was palpable. “When he didn’t show for his next appointment, I went to the police station. Told them about Constance, her threats, the timing. You know what they said? That she was understandably upset about her husband’s indiscretion. That she had every right to be angry. That there was no evidence she’d done anything wrong.”

Margie’s voice shook with old anger. “They didn’t investigate her. Didn’t question her. Didn’t even consider her a suspect.”

“They didn’t bother to find out why he’d disappeared?” My own anger bubbled up in my chest, hands clenching into fists as I mirrored Margie’s outrage.

She shook her head, lines deepening around her mouth. “They said the preservation project was coming to an end, so he probably moved to a new city.” Her lips curled with disgust as she gave a harsh, bitter laugh. “I should have never mentioned giving him those pamphlets!”

“Do you think Constance Whitmore had something to do with it?” Dominic asked.

“I don’t know, but she tried to find out if Thomas was pregnant before he vanished.” Margie’s voice was steel. “I think she threatened him.”

We sat in heavy silence.

“She left Millcrest in the 80s, if I’m not mistaken,” I said. “I wonder if she’s still alive?”

“All I know is she took half of Harold’s money in the divorce and never looked back.” Margie’s smile was bitter. “Last I heard, she was living in some retirement community in Connecticut. Hartford area, I think.”

“Mrs. Patterson,” I said carefully, “do you have any idea who Thomas was actually in love with? The person he was trying to protect?”

“I have my suspicions. But he never told me.” Margie was quiet for a long moment, her eyes sad. “Some secrets die with the people who keep them.”

“What do you remember about Thomas’ relationship with Richard Fairfax, Vicente Antonelli, or Robert Winslow?” I asked.

“All three were around Thomas quite often…” Margie paused, thinking. “But none quite as much as Richard, the way I heard it. He and Thomas worked closely together.”

“How closely?” Dominic asked.

“Close enough that people noticed—and talked.” Margie met his gaze steadily. “But what people notice and what they can prove are two different things.”

She hesitated, then added quietly, “Though I will say this—Richard wasn’t the only Fairfax involved in those projects. His father controlled the family business interests back then.”

“From what I have heard of him…” I said carefully. “He was very concerned with the family’s reputation and social standing.”

“Henry Fairfax was… a formidable man.” Margie’s expression grew darker. “Henry handpicked Caroline Pemberton as Richard’s fiancée. She was an only child with a silver spoon in her mouth, courtesy of her family’s shipping empire. Theengagement was announced in the winter of 1973…” She trailed off meaningfully.

“You think Henry knew about Thomas and Richard?” Dominic’s voice was sharp.

“I think Henry Fairfax didn’t become one of the most powerful men in Millcrest and surrounding cities by letting obstacles stand in his way. He was the kind of man who inspired fear in everyone.” Margie’s voice carried an edge. “I think if something threatened his business interests, he would have handled it. Permanently.”

Ice slid down my spine.

Through our bond, I felt Dominic’s protective instincts sharpen. His hand found mine, squeezing tight.

“Henry died in the late nineties,” I said, reassuring Dominic.”

“Heart attack at the country club. Richard inherited everything.” Her voice softened slightly. “That old goat won’t be a threat to your omega.”

We talked for a while longer, Margie sharing other memories. The last time she’d seen Thomas, before he disappeared.

“I gave him those pamphlets about omega support services,” Margie said again. “Told him to be safe, to take care of himself and the baby. That was the last time I saw him.”

“You tried to help him,” I said gently, taking her frail hand. “You did everything you could.”

“But it wasn’t enough.” Her grip tightened on my hand. “That sweet boy and his baby died anyway.”

She sighed. “I hope the sheriff finds the one who hurt him. I trust Hawkins to do a better job.”

“I believe he will,” I murmured.