Page 49 of Made for You

“Oh. I’m not home. I’m...with a friend. Has something come up?”

“Sure has.” There’s a wet smacking, like he’s chewing something. “And I’d like to discuss it face-to-face.”

A couple seconds slip by as I debate if I should press him to tell me now.

“I’ll be back tonight,” I finally say.

“What time?”

“I don’t know.”

He chuckles. “Don’t run now, Julia.”

“I’m not.” But my heart is suddenly thundering just as if I was.

“A little late for running.”

“I’m not running!” I spout. “I have no reason to run. I’m Josh’s wife, and I love him, and I want him found more than anyone. I’ll be back when I’m back. Goodbye.” With a trembling finger, I disconnect and slam the phone down on the table, which wobbles. “God,” I swear, interlacing my fingers to stop their shaking. “Sorry.”

“New development?” says Andy.

“I think so. But the fucking sheriff won’t tell me what. I swear, Andy, he is going to nail me for something before this is over.” I blow air out through my teeth, then turn my phone face down, like that will clear the area of the sheriff’s toxicity.

“Listen, Julia,” says Andy. “I know this is awkward to bring up, but—if you end up in trouble with the law...we have options.” His tone is cautious. “Remember all those papers I went over with you, when you married Josh?”

I have a feeling I know where this is going.

Andy continues. “Remember how I told you that if you ever wanted out, the best way was through WekTech?”

I remember all too well how Andy explained it to me, the day before I got married. Not too different from his spiel after the poolside attack. How my personhood is a legal gray area, so my best bet was for WekTech to maintain legal rights to me. An exit door, in case I ever wanted to leave Josh.

“You’re talking about the company repossessing me,” I say, trying to sound calm, like it’s not disturbing as hell to be treated like an object to be strategically moved around a board.

“It’s just a possibility.” Andy turns his palms up like he’s apologizing for even mentioning it.

“Well, we’re not there now. Moving on.”

“Yeah.” Andy clears his throat. “So... I heard they found Josh’s car. Where do things stand now? Are there any leads?”

“No leads.” At least, none they’ve shared with me.

“Do you think he’s...” He stops himself, but I know what he means. Dead.

“It’s okay. I’m wondering the same thing,” I say, feeling suddenly guilty that Andy is on my mental list of suspects when he’s displaying so much concern. “Do you remember that crazy lady who attacked me? On the show?”

“How could I forget?”

“I saw her at my Walmart.”

“No way. The same woman? Are you sure?”

I sigh. “I’m pretty sure. She dyed her hair, but... Do you remember her name?”

“Something with a D. Old-fashioned sounding.” Andy snaps his fingers over and over. “Darlene? Doris? I’ll make some calls and let you know.”

“Thanks.” And now for your turn. “I’m also trying to put together what happened Saturday and Sunday. You went to Stella’s Sunday morning, right? And Josh didn’t show?” I force myself to look right into Andy’s brown eyes, even though I’m scared as shit to see what I’ll find there.

“Right.” Andy looks down. He twitches his index finger, scratching at the table. “I figured he decided to be an asshole and blow me off.” His gaze flickers up, embarrassed. “God. That was super insensitive of me. Please forget I said it.”

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