Page 68 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“It started about a year ago.”

“How long did it last?”

“It was ongoing.”

“Who knew about it?”

“No one! We were very discreet.”

“I want details. How it started, when it started, where the encounters took place.”

“That’s, um, kind of personal.”

“Mr. Ouellette, I’ll remind you again that Pam was murdered, which means nothing is personal.”

He dropped his head into his hands. “I can’t believe anyone would ever hurt her. She was the best person. Everyone loved her.”

“I want the details, Mr. Ouellette. Now.”

Seeming to realize he had no choice, Ouellette released a deep sigh and began to talk. “She was the president of our boosters, and I relied on her for everything. We were in constant contact, and over time, we began to share confidences. At first, it was about our kids, who were teenagers and giving us the usual stress that goes along with that time in their lives. We commiserated, you know? One thing led to another, and we began to talk about our marriages and how as much as we loved our spouses, we both felt something was missing.”

“And that something was sex?”

“No, it was more than that. Intimacy, connection and sex, too. We felt terrible for even talking about it outside our marriages, but we were both desperate for someone to talk to. She adored Bob. She truly did. She never had a bad word to say about him. He was an excellent father and provider and all the things anyone would want in a husband. But at some point, they’d lost the spark. I understood that better than just about anyone, because that’s what’s happened to me, too. My wife, Josie, is amazing. She’s the best mother I’ve ever known and the sweetest person. I love her more than anything, but I’m not in love with her anymore. I haven’t been for a very long time.” He wiped away tears with his shirt sleeve. “I’m sure this sounds horrible to you, but Pam and I turned to each other for something that was missing in our marriages. We felt awful about betraying our spouses, but it was important to both of us to remain in our marriages and to keep our families together.”

“I’ll ask again. Who knew about the affair?”

“Neither of us told anyone. We made a pact at the beginning that it had to stay between us. Our lives would’ve been ruined if anyone found out.”

Without taking her eyes off Ouellette, Sam said, “Detective Cruz, would you please call up the images from the vehicle where Mrs. Tappen was found?”

“Yes, ma’am. Here you go.” He handed her his iPhone.

“This is what was done to Pam, Mr. Ouellette.”

After glancing at the image on the screen, he broke down once again. “Oh my God,” he whispered.

“She was bound and gagged and left to die in the cold by someone who wanted her to suffer, so I’ll ask you once again. Who did you tell about the affair?”

“No one. I swear on the lives of my children.”

“Is there any chance your wife found out and didn’t tell you?”

“I think I’d know if she did, and there’s been no sign of that.”

“Tell me where you met for sex.”

He took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Hotel rooms mostly. Sometimes I met her when she was working a show.”

“And that would require you to fly?”

“At times, yes.”

“How did you pay for the hotel rooms and the flights?”

“I had a credit card just for that purpose, and the bills came here.”

Sam was revolted by the notion of him having a special credit card to pay for an affair. “Where were you on Friday?”