Page 43 of The Liar I Married
THIRTY-NINE
The next morning, I walk along the path in Alex’s garden to see his fishpond.
He has the Japanese theme going on and it’s like stepping into another world.
Against a serene backdrop of vibrant greenery in lush green hues a small bubbling fountain spills water into a crystal-clear fishpond.
I follow a carefully maintained path winding its way through the foliage and find a graceful wooden bridge arching over the fishpond.
I immediately relax. I have the sun on my face and the breeze in my hair.
“This is beautiful. Did you create this yourself?”
“Yeah, it took me a long time but it was food for my imagination.” Alex chuckles. “You would be surprised how many books I’ve written in my head out here.” His hand comes under my elbow. “Are you strong enough to walk over the bridge and look at the fish?”
I inhale the fresh air and smile at him. “If we take it slow, I’ll be fine.”
As I walk across, I pause to gaze down at the shimmering water and see koi of various colors—orange, white, and gold—sliding gracefully beneath the surface, some stopping occasionally, their mouths open to catch dragonflies.
I can see the entire garden from my perch.
Alex has created a work of art. Tall bamboo stalks sway gently in the breeze and stone lanterns, as if weathered by time, stand like sentries along the pathway and cast soft dappled shadows in the sunlight.
I can see his hand in the creation; it’s so like his landscapes.
It’s a peaceful retreat from the outside world.
“So this is the view from your office. It’s wonderful.
Are those cherry blossom trees? They must smell wonderful in spring. ”
“They do.” A loud hammering comes from inside. “What the hell?—?”
I move slowly down the slope of the bridge. “Go and see who it is. I’ll be fine.”
As Alex heads into the house, the banging gets louder.
A scuffle comes from inside and then male voices shouting.
The next moment, Michael bursts through the glass doors to the garden, his face red and furious.
Behind him, Alex is trying to slow his progress by grabbing him by the arm.
Fear grips me; as I step from the bridge, my knees tremble as Michael drags Alex toward me. “What do you want, Michael?”
“You set the cops on me, didn’t you?” Michael gets up close in my face.
“You’re crazy. Trust me, if I wanted to kill you, you’d be dead already.
” He glares at me. “The cops came to my office—my office, Jessie. How do you figure that looks to my clients? I needed to make up an excuse about someone breaking into my house. Now, I’ve been suspended from work and the cops are monitoring my phone calls.
They insisted I surrender my passport or they were going to arrest me.
” He points at me. “You did this. I wish you’d died in the wreck.
You’ve ruined my life.” He shrugs Alex’s hand from his arm and turns to him.
“She’s batshit crazy. You wouldn’t believe all the lies she told me.
Like she’d killed her unborn baby and she hears phones ringing in the night when they’re disconnected.
” He takes a step back and his mouth turns down.
“She told the cops I was in her car when she wrecked it, that I forced her into the damn tree. I wanted her dead so I could get her inheritance.” He shook his head.
“They have no evidence because there isn’t any. ”
I keep the walker between us. “How did you know that I changed my will?”
“I spoke to Mr. Collins the day he read the will. He asked me to get you so you could sign the codicil. I was right outside, Jessie. I heard everything. Nice of you to think of me. I figured everything would go to John if you died.” He chuckles.
I see red. “That’s the reason you want me dead.”
“I have money.” Michael shakes his head. “I don’t need to kill my sister for it. You need help.”
I see a flicker of doubt in Alex’s eyes and my stomach drops.
“I know what you did, Michael. You turned Grandma against John and Dad, telling lies about them. After I read Grandma’s letter you convinced me that John was having an affair.
That was the start of trying to make me look like I was going mad. ”
I need to know the truth about one more thing. When Michael’s angry he forgets secrets, so I allow the lie to slip through my lips. “I know you convinced John to switch off life support. How could you?!”
“I knew he’d tell you.” Michael shook his head. “We didn’t want you to suffer.”
I poke him in the chest. “Bullshit! You wanted me dead. You made Dolly keep me in a drug-induced coma and when I came out of it you tried to make me look as if I’d lost my mind. You started by sending me a note, telling me not to trust anyone.”
“See.” He waves a hand toward me. “Crazy.” He looks at Alex. “She was becoming unbalanced long before the accident. She believed people were following her and then she tried to kill herself. She left a note, Alex. Whatever she’s told you about me is a lie.”
I can’t believe my ears. “I don’t know why the cops let you go but I’ll prove everything and, by the way, I’m changing my will. If anything happens to me, you’ll get nothing.”
“Ha. You can’t change your will unless you’re of sound mind, sweetheart,” Michael sneers at me as he heads for the door. “You’re crazy and I’ll make sure everyone knows. They’ll never let you have your kids. You tried to kill them in the wreck. You’re unfit to be a mother.”
I slump against the bridge and tears stream down my cheeks. I can’t fight him any longer. I look at Alex as he observes me from under his lashes. “I’m not crazy. I’m not.”