Murder Is Secondary by Diane Weiner Page B

immediately went back to her room and called Julie’s number. Without too much effort, she got Julie to agree to meet her for breakfast the next morning.
    She arrived at Denny’s bright and early. It wasn’t long before she spotted Julie.
    “Hi, Julie. I’m so glad you were able to meet.”
    “I’m glad you called. What a nice treat, to eat breakfast out before school.” The waitress came and poured them both some coffee.
    “Julie, listen carefully.” Dalia leaned across the table and spoke in a stage whisper. “I have something very important to tell you.”
    “You sound so serious. Go ahead.”
    “I don’t know how to start. I guess I’ll just spit it out. I am quite sure that my husband Zachary is your ex-husband and I’m also quite sure that he came to town to hurt you.”
    “What? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Julie. Julie’s shoulders tensed and she shook her head.
    “I mean you no harm. Believe me, I’m on your side. I know what Zachary is like. He started abusing me on our honeymoon. I’m pretty sure that he did the same to you and that you escaped by faking your own death. You’re actually Kaitlyn Chichester, aren’t you?’
    “No, not me,” said Julie.” I’m Julie Martin. I do not know anyone named Zachary.” Julie emphasized do not . Dalia remembered reading that when people lied, they tended not to use contractions.
    “I’m trying to help you. I think it’s ingenious that you managed to escape that psychopath. I’m sure that Zach somehow found out that you were still alive and he’s here to harm you.”
    Julie sat back in her seat. She looked like she was going to faint. Dalia saw the blood rush away from her face. After what seemed like an eternity, Julie spoke: “Zachary is here ? In Westbrook? Oh, my God.”
    Dalia placed her hand on Julie’s and squeezed it.
    “You’re married to Zachary?” Julie asked breathlessly. Dalia nodded.
    “Please listen to me,” said Dalia, insistently. “I don’t want you to be blindsided when he walks into that baby shower Saturday night. Susan Wiles had mentioned that she’d invited half the teachers in the town. I figured you’d be there. We need to stop this monster.”
    After a brief pause, Julie said, “Dalia, you’re right. You’re right about all of it. I don’t know what to do now that he’s found me. I’ve dreaded this moment for the past fifteen years. I have a son who I need to protect. I feel like I’m stuck in a dark corner with no way out. I wasn’t imagining things after all. Someone has been stalking me. Now it all makes sense.”
    “Maybe you should go to the police.”
    “And say what? I’m pretty sure faking your own death and keeping a father apart from his son has some sort of legal consequence.”
    “Then we’ll have to put our heads together and find another solution. This monster has to be stopped,” said Dalia. “We’ll talk again soon.”

Chapter 27

    “The house looks beautiful,” said Mike. Pink and blue streamers created a canopy over the dining room table. In the center of the table, a large punch bowl supported a concoction of fruit juice, seltzer water, and lime sherbet. There was chili, cornbread, lasagna, salad….and Susan had baked cake pops covered with pastel colored icing. A crock pot full of Swedish meatballs rounded out the feast.
    “We are taking a break from our diet tonight, right?” asked Mike.
    “Well, one night won’t kill us,” said Susan. “Did you hang the streamers out on the back porch?”
    “I still say it’s going to be too chilly for guests to want to mingle there, but yes, I did. I also brought out our old Boom Box in case our guests want some background music.”
    “I just want this night to be perfect.”
    “It will be. You’ve done a fantastic job. Hey, I think I hear a car. Our first guests have arrived.”
    Lynette’s partner and his girlfriend entered the front door.
    “Jackson, Theresa, come on in. Let me take your coats.