Chapter Eleven

For sanity to reign, the events of the previous night were waved off as irrelevant tricks played by the mind. But that didn't mean it wasn't lingering on the minds of all.

Alex went shopping with Beatrice in a store on the other part of town, leaving Anna in the care of their friends.

"We forgot the dog's food." Beatrice sighed wearily as they approached the counter, pushing their filled trolley as they went.

"I'll go get it." With that, Alex went off in search of the section tagged 'pet foods'.

Beatrice stood by, waiting for her husband as another paid for his items.

"New around here?" The man asked, without looking her direction.

Beatrice turned around, satisfied she was the only one standing, she took her gaze to him.

"Talking to me?'

"You're the gorgeous lady here, sexy too. So yeah, I'm talking to you."

"Excuse me, I'm married." She blurted sharply.

"And I'm single, what a coincidence!" He beamed sarcastically. " Of course I know you're married, I saw your hubby walk out on you." He continued, his countenance changing almost immediately.

Beatrice studied him, his physique was quite intimidating, similar to the stature of a Greek god.

"Yeah, we're new. But why ask?"

She watched him pocket his change before facing her.

"Your faces," he began. "Doesn't look very...familiar."

"So you're the cop that knows every face in town?" She mocked.

He produced his badge, showing it to her.

"Thought so." She muttered, feeling beaten.

"The name's Barry," he grinned. "Detective Barry if you may."

"Thanks, but Barry sounds just fine."

"No problem there sweetheart, here's my card." He said, watching her take it from him reluctantly. "Call me when he walks out on you again, your husband I mean. There are guys out there who can do better." He winked at her, before picking his bagged items to leave.

"Disgusting." She remarked, her eyes following him as he exited the store.

Meanwhile, back at the house.

"I know what I saw Ed, you have to believe me." Nelly pleaded.

"It's alright, I believe you...I really do."

She paused at that remark and turned towards him with an interrogative look.

"You don't mean it, do you?" She sounded upset.

"What are you talking about? Of course I..."

"Liar!" She screamed. "You didn't say that because you do, you said that because you felt you had to."

"Nelly..."

She leaned towards him and whispered..

"This is why this," she brought her finger to his chest while piercing his eyes with a stern gaze. "Will never work." She completed before turning to leave.

"Damn women!" Edward cursed inaudibly.