When I get back to the house the cleaner’s been and gone, and I find Adriana alone in the kitchen cradling a mug of tea.
‘Hi,’ she says, glancing up at me. ‘Good day?’
She doesn’t look well. Her lovely face is drawn and pasty, but given our row on Saturday night I’m too afraid to remark on this for fear of upsetting her. I also can’t risk giving whoever’s watching us further reason to attack me, the way they attacked Ethan. Speaking to Rick has strengthened my resolve to beat this bastard, but I’m also fully aware I can’t be gung-ho about it. These walls have ears. It’s why, although I’m desperate to tell Adriana everything, for now I know I must hold back and wait for my chance to get her out of this house where we can speak freely. So, in response to her question, I simply smile and tell her I’ve had a great day. Lie about meeting up with a friend for lunch, then visiting an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery before coming straight home. She smiles, appears to believe me, even though it feels like the deception is written all over my face.
‘And how was your day?’ I ask her.
‘It was fine,’ she says wearily. ‘I went into town for a meeting with the head of one of the charities I support. We’re organising a fundraising walk to coincide with the death of Chelsey Donavan, the little girl who was abused and killed by her stepfather six months ago. You may have read about it in the newspapers?’
‘Yes, I remember it being quite a high-profile case. Absolutely tragic.’
Adriana sighs, her eyes glassy. ‘Words can’t express just how tragic. Even now, campaigning all this time for various charities, hearing the numerous stories of abuse and child cruelty that goes on, I can’t fathom the evil done to children.’
I nod, give a sad smile, not for the first time wondering if Adriana is speaking from personal experience.
‘Just so you know,’ she continues as I go to grab some juice from the fridge, ‘I’m having some impromptu drinks here tomorrow evening. In aid of the fundraiser. I know it’s a bit of a pain, but it’s really important to me. You’re welcome to join, it won’t be a late one. I’ll be busy getting the house in order during the day, so I apologise in advance for the disruption.’
My heart sinks. What she’s doing is admirable, but it also couldn’t be any worse timing because now she won’t have time to meet with me. Plus, the last thing I want is to upset her before the drinks; they’re important to her, like she said. She’s so fragile and stressed with all that’s happened, she needs this in her life right now. Something positive. I can see that. I resign myself to the fact that it’ll have to wait until Wednesday morning.
‘Sure. No problem.’ I force a smile. ‘Not sure I’d be comfortable joining, though. I don’t know anyone.’
‘Why don’t you invite Jasper and his girlfriend? Instead of them coming over on Wednesday. That way you’ll know someone, and it’ll kill two birds with one stone. Stuart, my brother-in-law, is coming. And Aunt Georgie and Uncle Philip. I’m sure they’d all love to meet you. I think my aunt and uncle will stay the night. You don’t mind, do you?’
All at once my spirits rise on hearing Adriana’s aunt and uncle will be at the drinks. This is my chance to chat with them, and perhaps gain some insight into their niece’s childhood. I’ll obviously have to phrase my words carefully. I can’t have them growing suspicious and reporting back to Adriana. She’ll never agree to meet with me outside the house then; she may even kick me out.
‘Of course not, it’s your house,’ I say. ‘It will be lovely to meet them.’
Adriana smiles, then gets up from the kitchen stool. ‘Well, I’m going to take a bath. I’ll see you later.’
She walks away and I feel a slight ache in my chest, remembering how less than forty-eight hours ago we made love. But then I tell myself to snap out of it, that I need to focus and keep my wits about me if I am to defeat the person who’s watching me.
There can be no room for error.