Dark Secrets of the Blind Husband

Yolanda’s voice dripped with flirtation in the delicate cocoon of her ear. “Damien, you mentioned you’d come over once Cherise drifts into slumber. When might that be?”

“I’m a bit weary. When do you think Cherise will doze off?”

“Why not utilize the sleeping pills you’ve prepared? Didn’t you prepare them?”

Cherise offered no reply.

She simply listened, her silence a canvas for Yolanda’s monologue, punctuated by soft utterances of “Mm,” “Ah,” “Okay.”

“Excellent. Let’s convene at our usual haunt tomorrow!”

Confronted with Yolanda’s buoyant tone, Cherise sighed inwardly, rubbing her temples. “Ms. Weiss.”

Finally, Yolanda exclaimed through the line, “You are…”

“I am Cherise.”

With the phone nestled in her palm, Cherise sighed again, her brow furrowing.

While she didn’t consider her initial “hello” particularly loud, it wasn’t muted.

If her voice reached Yolanda’s ears, why did Yolanda persist in this charade?

never fathomed her softened tone, which

which is evident in her

behind her carefully

“Ms. Weiss, I presumed your late call was in pursuit

his spouse, I, too, wish for

your deliberate choice of words only muddies

my husband maintains a distance

Ms. Weiss. Rest well. Perhaps in your

for Yolanda’s retort, Cherise terminated the call.

sow discord between her and Damien with such

No way!

“Finished?”

car door swung open at an indeterminate time. Damien stood outside, exuding the scent of tobacco and the chill of the night air, a smile gracing his lips. “Just like the conduct of Mrs. Lenoir.”

checks flushed crimson. “You… you heard

“Mhmm.”

door. His imposing frame once again enveloped Cherise. “My dear little fool, you’ve grown, defending the honor of

told you I’m not

you’ll always be my dear, my little