Page 35 of Want to Know a Secret?

But more significantly, it means Bobby was the one telling the truth. Owen pushed Bobby off the swing and then lied about it.

For a moment, I consider giving Maria a call. If Owen pushed another kid and then lied about it, she would want to know, right? But then again, boys love to roughhouse. And it’s not like Bobby got a broken arm. It’s just a scrape.

So I don’t call Maria. But next time I see her, maybe I’ll mention it.

Chapter 16

It’s eight-thirty at night, which is Bobby’s bedtime, and Elliot still isn’t back from work.

This has been happening more and more lately. It used to be just an occasional thing, but now it’s more like twice a week. But this is the first time Elliot hasn’t responded to my text messages asking when he’ll be home. It’s like I’m just supposed to accept that he’ll be home at some unknown time in the future, and not worry about it.

I’d be a lot less worried about it if Brianna wasn’t with him. It’s not that I don’t trust him, but…

I still don’t know who he was talking to on the phone the other night. But I haven’t gotten any other text messages. Maybe whoever was harassing me decided to leave me alone.

I read Bobby his usual bedtime story. He loves the Goosebumps books, even though I’m worried they give him nightmares. I sit on the edge of his bed, recounting the story of the ventriloquist dummy that came to life.

“Are you sure this isn’t scaring you?” I ask him.

Bobby rolls his eyes. “No! It’s not scary. It’s funny.”

Whatever. “Okay, well, it’s time for sleep.”

“But Dad isn’t home yet!”

I pull my phone out of my pocket and see if there are any text messages from Elliot. Nothing.

“Can you call him?” Bobby asks.

I had been trying not to be an annoying wife, but now that Bobby is asking me to call him, I feel like it gives me a license to do it. I select Elliot’s number from the list of favorites and it rings on the other line.

And rings.

He’s not picking up.

“Sorry, Bobby.” I disconnect the call before it goes to voicemail. “He’s really busy at work.”

Bobby’s lower lip trembles. “But he always says good night.”

I let out a sigh. My only other option is to call the number for his office. At least then I’ll know if he’s on the road or not. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t do it because it means speaking to Brianna. But it’s late enough that I’m willing to make an exception.

I dial the number and it rings three times before Brianna’s peppy voice comes on the line. “Elliot Masterson’s office. This is Brianna.”

Great. Not only is he still at work at eight-thirty at night, but he’s with his gorgeous secretary. All alone.

“Um, hi.” I clear my throat. “This is April.”

“Who?”

“April Masterson. Elliot’s wife.” I grit my teeth. “Is Elliot still at the office?”

“Yes, he’s still here,” Brianna reports.

There’s an interminable pause. “Well, can I talk to him?”

“Oh. I’m sorry, that would be impossible. He’s very busy.”

Bobby reaches out to tug on my shirt sleeve. “Is he coming home soon?”