CHAPTER 4

Rose woke from her afternoon nap curled on the couch like a cat with her book in her lap. It was late Saturday afternoon and the evening chill was just blowing in. She pulled the knitted throw from where it had fallen on the ground over her, and snuggled into the warmth. After spending the whole morning cleaning the house and catching up on some paperwork she had spoiled herself with a good book. She must’ve dozed off right in, as the book was only on page four.

Through the window she caught sight of Cole’s empty driveway and wondered when she would be seeing him again. Probably not soon, she thought. Over the past week Emmaline’s words had haunted her about having a one night stand.

It wasn’t something Rose had ever considered before but her blatant attraction to Cole made her reconsider. His sharp features and jade green eyes looked at her every time she closed her eyes. That familiar flicker of nerves bundled in her tummy as heat pooled to her groin.

Ever since she had kicked Sam out Rose hadn’t even considered dating again, never mind sex. The past year had been spent in anger and pain. She was angry over his consistent cheating. If it wasn’t for a simple mix up with their phones she could’ve been married to him by now. On that fateful day Sam had accidentally taken her phone and left his with her. When it rang mid morning Rose thought nothing of answering it. She was shocked to hear it was a woman wanting to confirm her appointment with Sam that evening. As the reality started to set in the phone had rung again. This time it was a younger sounding voice wanting to find out if her boyfriend was around. Rose had kicked him out the same day; she hadn’t even bothered asking him how many times he had cheated. Once was enough, twice was unforgivable.

The pain and embarrassment of that day would probably remain with her forever, but Emmaline was right. She’d probably always be mad at Sam for his blatant betrayal, but that didn’t mean she should stop dating or having sex for that matter.

The dating seemed like a giant step to take when she was still hurting from Sam’s betrayal, sex seemed easier. She had woken up twice this week in the middle of the night trembling and aching after dreaming of Cole.

Maybe it was the itch that needed to be scratched, but either way she thought looking out over his driveway, if he did come back this time she’d be the one offering the beer. She’d take it from there. If the attraction was still as strong as a week ago she would consider a one night stand, with Cole she knew there wouldn’t be anything else on the table.

He was a high-powered investor in the city and barely had time to visit his home in the Hamptons, never mind time for a girlfriend.

Rose tried shrugging off thoughts of Cole and made her way to the kitchen. She took out the cheese cake she had bought that morning, unable to resist its passion fruit jam and pale yellow icing. She’d take it over to Emmaline and they could discuss anything while digging in, anything but Cole.

Rose pulled her coat tighter around herself as she closed the door behind her, cake in hand. If fall temperatures were falling this fast an even colder winter was on its way. As the cold wind brushed her face she walked around Emmaline’s house to the back door that was always unlocked.

Both women shared a love for the sweeter things in life, Rose loved surprising Emmaline with something sweet every now and then.

She pushed open the door and called out cheerily. “Emmaline, I’ve got you a surprise!”

When she didn’t hear any answer she walked into the kitchen. The morning dishes were still piled in the sink; odd, Emmaline never left dishes unwashed Rose thought as she moved to the living room.

“Are you sleeping? I’ve got a surprise for you!” Rose called out towards the bedrooms as she moved around a white trestle table that worked as a server. “I’ve got cake…” The last word was merely a whisper as the Passion Fruit Cheesecake splattered on the floor.

Rose didn’t even notice as the cake splattered against the tiles, its pale yellow frosting lying in soft mounds on the tiles. The only thing she noticed was Emmaline on the floor.

Dead.

Rose had never seen a dead body before but somehow she instinctively knew it was too late for Emmaline. Her face was ashen with a bluish tone. Her clear blue eyes were open staring at the roof, all life drained from them. As the first tear slipped over Rose’s cheek she crouched next to Emmaline. “Emmaline! Emmaline!”

Even though Rose knew it was too late she had hoped for a response, a small movement indicating life. There was nothing. She softly brushed her fingers over her friend’s eyelids to close them. The body was ice cold; Emmaline had been dead for a while.

Rose pulled her phone from her pocket and quickly dialed 911. After relaying all the relevant information along with the address, the operator promised help was on the way.

She sat down and took Emmaline’s hand in her own. It was cold and stiff but Rose didn’t let go. Her friend didn’t deserve this, she deserved better. Rose silently vowed she would do anything in her power to avenge her friend’s death.

From the line on her neck and no other visible injuries Rose guessed she had been strangled.

Strangled while Rose was napping right next door. The guilt shot through Rose like a sharp pointed arrow. As the tears started rushing down her face, Rose heard the sirens approaching.