Silent Truths by Susan Lewis

even more skilled at twisting facts than reporters.
    Jones’s eyes were imbued with understanding as he said, ‘Married life is rarely easy.’
    The colour in her cheeks deepened as sweat began prickling her armpits. What had they found in those diaries? What were they misreading already?
    ‘Do you have any idea how long your husband had been seeing Sophie Long?’ he asked.
    She shook her head. ‘No.’
    ‘But you did know he was seeing her?’
    ‘No. I’d never heard of her until yesterday.’ Her lips felt dry and cracked; her voice was hoarse.
    ‘The women you’ve written about in your diaries – wasn’t one of them Sophie?’
    ‘I suppose it’s possible,’ she answered. ‘I rarely knew their names.’
    ‘So he could have been seeing her for some time?’
    ‘I really don’t know.’
    He nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. ‘Your husband moved out of the house a week or so ago?’ he said.
    The question made her feel horrible inside ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘We had a row. I changed the locks. It wasn’t the first time.’ But he’d know that, having read her diaries.
    ‘What was the row about?’
    He must know that too. ‘A party he wanted me to go to,’ she answered. ‘I’d already cooked dinner, so I wanted to stay at home. He went anyway, and I got someone in to change the locks.’ She wondered what they were all thinking – that she was hysterical, or that more women should have the guts?
    ‘Have you spoken to your husband since that night?’
    ‘No. Yes. He called me the next day to say he was sorry.’
    ‘But you didn’t allow him back in the house?’
    ‘He didn’t ask to come. He knew I needed more time to calm down.’
    ‘So where was he staying?’
    ‘I don’t know.’
    ‘He didn’t tell you?’
    ‘No.’
    Jones seemed genuinely surprised. ‘And you didn’t ask?’ he said. ‘You didn’t need to know, for emergencies, say?’
    ‘He has a mobile phone. I could have called him on that.’
    Now Jones was really curious. ‘Was it usual for him not to tell you where he was during these periods of estrangement?’
    ‘Sometimes he did. Sometimes he didn’t. There were certain friends he’d go to; I presumed he was with one of them.’
    ‘What friends?’
    Her eyes showed confusion and unease. ‘Friends he’s had for years,’ she answered.
    ‘Can you give us their names?’
    Reluctantly she began listing them. But what harm could it do? The police probably already knew about them anyway. After all, they’d never been secret and were all entered in Colin’s palm-pilot. She knew because she’d set up the address book herself, before giving it to him for Christmas last year.
    When Freeling had finished writing the list, Jones said, ‘Other than friends’ wives there are no women here. Does that mean you didn’t think he was with another woman?’
    ‘Yes, it crossed my mind,’ she admitted, feelingherself colour again. ‘But like I said, I don’t know their names.’
    He nodded, as though thanking her for the reminder. ‘On average, how long would you say your break-ups normally last?’
    ‘A week or so. They aren’t that frequent,’ she added defensively.
    ‘But more frequent than most.’
    Shame caused her mouth to tremble. ‘It was a feature of our marriage,’ she said. ‘You shouldn’t read anything into it.’
    His smile was benign. ‘Did you know that he had an arrangement to see Sophie Long at midday yesterday?’
    ‘No. I’d never heard of her until yesterday.’
    ‘Do you have access to your husband’s diary?’
    ‘He doesn’t usually hide it, if that’s what you mean.’
    ‘But he hadn’t been in the house for almost a week, so presumably the last time you saw it was prior to him leaving?’
    She nodded. ‘I imagine so. I don’t really remember when I last saw it.’
    He glanced down at the notes in front of him.
    Beth watched him closely, then started as Freeling suddenly said, ‘Where were you at midday yesterday, Mrs