What's Done In the Dark(41)

“Soooo, you just dropped by?” I asked. My tone told her she could now pick up and go.

“I did.” Sabrina stood and took Paula’s hand. “I can’t imagine the pain of losing your husband, the man you love from the bottom of your heart. It’s almost like—” She turned her wide eyes on me. “It’s almost like a betrayal, wouldn’t you say so, Felise?”

If I’d had any doubt that her snarky comments the day of the funeral were just a coincidence, they were gone. Sabrina knew. The question was, had she come here to tell Paula?

“It is very difficult,” Paula said, sadness overtaking her once again. “I was just telling Sabrina how Steven and I had a fight before he died.”

I looked at Paula like she was crazy. Why in the world was she sharing her personal information with loudmouthed Sabrina?

“Yes, she did,” Sabrina said, “and I told her, all couples fight, so there was nothing for her to feel bad about.”

Just then we all heard a loud crash upstairs. “I’ll be right back,” Paula said hurriedly. “No telling what those boys have gotten into.” She dashed toward the stairs.

Sabrina and I were left alone. “Such a tragedy,” she said, making a mocking face of sympathy. “And can you believe Paula has to carry that burden of knowing her last words to her husband were during a fight?” She stopped, as though a question had popped into her head. “Do you think her husband sought comfort in the arms of another woman? Because, for some reason, she now seems to think so.”

What? Did Sabrina know something I didn’t? I kept my cool as I stared at Sabrina. “I don’t know why Paula would think Steven was with someone else,” I managed to say. “He was one of the good guys.”

“You would know, right? I mean, you guys were really close back in the day. I mean, you were never home because you were always spending the night at his place.”

“We were very good friends,” I clarified.

“Friends. That’s right. Nothing more.” She made another face, to show me how ridiculous that sounded. “I don’t know why Paula’s all worried. Steven probably went to the hotel to drown his sorrows at the bar. I see it all the time. He was probably too drunk to drive, so he got a room.”

Her tone was the exact opposite of her innocent words. I was tired of playing games with her.

“Sabrina, what are you doing?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” she replied.

“You’re not Paula’s friend. So, what are you doing?”

“Ohhhh, can you school me on how a real friend should act?”

Paula walked back in. “Girl, these boys are going to be the death of me. Stevie has been acting out, and as bad as his behind was, I can’t afford for things to get any worse.”

Sabrina turned to her and smiled. “Aww, honey, it’s going to be difficult for everyone. I know you have Felise here in your corner, but don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

“Thank you, Sabrina.”

She flashed a fake smile my way. “Well, I guess I’m going to give you two some BFF time.”

“Remember what we discussed,” Paula reminded her. “Let me know what the hotel security concludes with their investigation. I’m going crazy here, and any little bit of information helps.”

“Oh, I’ll definitely be in touch,” Sabrina said.

She gave Paula a hug, then flashed another tight grin at me. “I’ll see you later, Felise. I know you probably want to try and help Paula deal with this awful tragedy.”

I didn’t say anything as Paula walked Sabrina to the door. So she hadn’t told Paula anything. But the gnawing feeling in my gut told me I didn’t have long before she did. And only one thing could stop someone like Sabrina Fulton: money. I made a mental note to call Sabrina tomorrow to find out just how much it was going to take to shut her up.





28


Felise


AS SOON AS THE DOOR closed, I started in on Paula.

“What was she doing over here?” I asked. “Since when are you two friends?” The last thing I needed was Sabrina cozying up to Paula. Wherever Sabrina went, trouble wasn’t too far away, and I had enough trouble in my life.

Paula made her way back over to the love seat. “Don’t tell me you’re still trippin’ over the beef you two had back in college.”

“No,” I protested. “I just don’t understand. She’s not your friend, so I’m trying to figure out what she’s doing over here.”

Paula smiled, something I hadn’t seen her do in days. “Are we having friend envy?”