AC05 - Death Mask Read Free Page B

from the office. Most of them think a good night means getting blind drunk and sleeping with someone they’ll never see again.’
    Anya could appreciate why Hannah might prefer to stay at home.
    ‘Tell me about your wedding.’
    Hannah leant back in the lounge and her shoulders relaxed. ‘It was everything I ever dreamt it would be, if you don’t count the rain. My bouquet had deep purple irises and Brett looked so handsome. The only downside was that we didn’t have time to eat much, by the time we’d got around to everyone and made sure they were all having a good time.’
    ‘Did you at least get to have a glass of champagne?’ Anya remembered her own, less than formal wedding, without family or friends present.
    ‘Come to think of it, I did have one glass of wine at the reception, but because I hadn’t eaten, it went right to my head.’
    Anya glanced at the door. Brett wouldn’t be much longer.
    ‘What happened then?’
    ‘I don’t remember much, to be honest. I started out nervous, but Brett undressed me. I know we made love because the next morning there was blood on the sheets and I was sore,’ she lowered her voice, ‘down there.’
    The comment alarmed Anya.
    ‘Do you remember making love?’
    ‘Brett told me I fell asleep with exhaustion from all the dieting and stress. But I feel a bit silly – what sort of bride can’t remember her wedding night?’
    Anya wondered the same thing. Tears refilled Hannah’s eyes.
    ‘We had breakfast in bed, and he didn’t even try to make love again. I must have been disappointing. My mother always said that a marriage is made or ruined on the wedding night. Maybe that’s why my mind blanked it out.’ Her voice trailed off. ‘But once Brett commits himself to something, there’s no going back.’
    It seemed an odd statement for a new bride to make.
    ‘What else is Brett committed to?’
    ‘The local football club. He’s been playing with them since high school, and the team are all really close. I didn’t understand it at first, but they have a real sense of belonging and he’s never missed a practice or a game. Women get used to that closeness with girlfriends or sisters, but it’s important for men to have it too.’
    ‘What about the honeymoon. Noumea, wasn’t it?’
    ‘We were inseparable, and Brett wanted to make up for lost time. That’s why I thought I’d become so sore again.’
    Anya still believed Hannah. Nothing in her mannerisms or voice suggested she was lying at any stage of her story.
    There was a rap on the door and Brett appeared. ‘Are you OK in here? I was beginning to worry.’
    ‘I’m fine,’ Hannah answered. ‘Doctor Crichton’s exploring possibilities.’
    ‘Is that so?’ Brett answered, barely entering the room. ‘Haven’t got too much time on the meter, how much longer do you think you’ll be?’
    He transferred his weight from one foot to the other. It was evident he didn’t want to be there and was keen to leave as soon as possible. For such an understanding and forgiving man, he seemed surprisingly anxious.
    ‘I hoped we could have a quick chat,’ Anya said. ‘Is that all right with you, Hannah? There’s a water cooler outside, if you’d like to help yourself.’
    Hannah stood up, but her husband hesitated and checked his watch. ‘I guess I can stay a few minutes, but I’m not the one who gave her the infections.’
    ‘This situation must be pretty difficult for you,’ Anya began when Hannah had left the room and Brett was sitting down again.
    He shrugged his shoulders and looked distractedly towards the window. ‘Hospitals creep me out.’
    Anya watched him for a moment longer before speaking. ‘Do you think Hannah is lying?’
    ‘No way, she blames herself for things she didn’t even do.’
    ‘What happened on the wedding night?’
    His eyes flicked back. ‘What did she say about it?’
    The hairs on the back of Anya’s neck stood up. ‘She told me she had a drink at the reception, went