Indefensible Read Free Page B

intangible.
    On paper, she looked pretty good. But paper was two-dimensional. Easily crumpled. Easily discarded.
    Not like her mistakes.
    She hooked the next left so abruptly that Lucy shot her a startled look. Within minutes, they were driving down Young Avenue. Elise took her time driving down the pretty street. It allowed her to admire the stately architecture—and to postpone the phone call she knew she’d have to make once they turned the corner and pulled into Cathy’s driveway.
    â€œThis is nice,” Lucy breathed, staring out the window. “Is this where we’re staying?”
    â€œWe’re around the corner. Right opposite Point Pleasant Park.” The park was situated on the tip of the Halifax Peninsula. On the east side, to their left, lay the Halifax Harbour. Halifax’s vibrant waterfront skirted the harbor, anchored with office towers and hotels on the far end and container piers at the other. On the park’s west side, the long finger of saltwater known as the Northwest Arm edged some of the most sought-after real estate in the city. Her ex-husband lived in one of those neighborhoods, about a ten-minute walk to the west of Cathy’s house.
    Elise drove toward a large stone archway with a wrought-iron gate that declared the end of Young Avenue and its intersection with Point Pleasant Drive. Beyond the stone archway, Elise could see the park. One hundred and eighty-five acres of pine trees, old forts and walking trails. Tomorrow morning Elise would get up early and walk the trails. Long dormant anticipationuncurled. She could just imagine the cool mystery of the early morning, the long expanse of quiet ocean disappearing into the horizon, the soft crush of pine-needle-strewn paths underfoot.
    â€œIt’s not far from Dad’s house, is it?” Lucy asked.
    Elise searched for Nick’s face in the rearview mirror. All she got was his profile. The closer they were to their destination, the more remote he became.
    Hang on, Nicky. Just one phone call and you’re home free.
    â€œNo, it’s not.”
    Elise slowed at the stop sign by the intersection. Lucy shrieked with delight. “Nick, look at the fountain!”
    Elise laughed. A large fountain marked a footpath into Point Pleasant Park. It frothed in the sunshine, a two-foot-high mound of bubbles. Someone had put shampoo in the water.
    â€œMum, can we jump in?” Lucy asked. She reached for her seat belt.
    â€œIn a minute.” Elise turned left. “Cathy’s house is just down the hill. After we dump our bags, you guys can check out the fountain.” While I call your father . It would give her some privacy. She didn’t want the kids to hear this conversation.
    Cathy’s house was located in a recessed lot on Point Pleasant Drive, facing the park. It had been built on an incline that dropped off steeply in the back. Hedges outlined the side and rear boundaries of the property, much taller than when Elise had last seen them.
    Cathy probably let them grow to block the sight of the container pier.
    Elise pulled into the driveway. Dark green exterior. Check . White shutters. Check . Large wraparound porch. Check . All with the slightly shabby look of an academic who was too preoccupied with cerebral matters to pay attention to peeling paint. Probably hadn’t made her too popular in this neighborhood.
    Late afternoon sun beat down on the car. Elise turned off the engine, suddenly desperate to get some fresh air.
    She flung open the door and stood. Too quickly. Black spots swarmed in front of her eyes. She leaned against the door and breathed in deeply. The air carried a tangy breeze. The spots slowly dissipated.
    â€œMum, are you okay?” Lucy asked.
    â€œYes, I’m fine. I just need to catch my breath.” She was glad she’d have a few weeks to recuperate. She’d go to a bookstore tomorrow and stock up on books, newspapers, magazines. She could hardly wait.
    She