The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda (speld decodable readers txt) 📕

when Momma was tired of a pet or I was tired of my stepdaddy. I overheard a nurse say they were going to charge me with John’s murder. I think I heard a gasp, some doctor or nurse or someone. How did they look at me when they heard that news? Do they all think I deserve to die now?

No one comes to visit me at the hospital. I’m stuck here in this semiconscious state, unable to move or speak. I don’t know how long they’ll keep me alive. Apparently, Uncle George, the traitor, is smoking cigars and enjoying island life somewhere that won’t extradite folks to the US, leaving me here, all alone, hooked up to tubes and machines, with plenty of time to think. Too much time, actually.

The door opens with the telltale swoosh. It’s likely that police chief guy checking to see if I am faking it. I’m not. He comes once a week, sniffs around, pokes my arm. He’s itching to put me behind bars. I don’t know what would be worse, that or the nonlife I’m living now.

“This is pretty much how she spends her days.”

Ah, it’s Nurse Retched, as I’ve become fond of calling her. I don’t know what she looks like, but I don’t like her voice. It irritates me with its singsong monotone.

“How sad, really. Even after everything she’s done.”

Oh my god. It’s Kate. Maybe she has pity on me? Maybe she didn’t really push me. I could be making that up. Maybe she’s here to rescue me. Get me out of here. I can forgive her for trying to take John back. I mean, she got the better of me on that one. She doesn’t even have to pay me what she promised. I’ll take half and get out of town. Promise. I wonder where my signed copy of the agreement is?

I wonder if Kate destroyed them.

“You don’t really feel sorry for her, Mom, do you?”

What? It can’t be. Is it Ashlyn? Maybe she misses me. Maybe she forgives me. It’s not easy being the second wife, I need to tell her that. I made a few mistakes, sure, but everyone does. I’ll apologize and all will be forgiven. We’ll go shopping. Hi, Ashlyn. I’m in here, I am!

“How long do you plan to keep her like this? It can’t be any way to live.”

That is Kate’s voice. I’d know it anywhere. Is she telling them to kill me?

NO! I’m in here.

“In this case, without next of kin, and without her attorney, we’re moving to make her a ward of the state. They’ll take it from there. There will be a set time frame for her recovery and milestones. If she doesn’t reach them, and she hasn’t so far, well . . .”

Well? Wait! No. I’m here.

“Strange to see her like this.”

A man’s voice. Who is that? Oh, it’s Seth, the stupid boyfriend. I don’t want him here.

No one is talking. What are they doing? I want them to take me with them, to get me out of here.

But then they’ll arrest me.

“She killed my husband.” Kate again.

“I know. We have the evidence from her garage, all thanks to you, Katie.” The police chief is sucking up to Kate. Shit. Did he just call her Katie? Are they dating? That’s what John used to call her. Shit.

“If she does survive, she’ll be left destitute. The state already has a claim on her clothes and jewelry to pay for her care.”

Kate. You promised me money. We had an agreement. How could you? If only I could open my eyes. You should be scared to say such mean things about me. You should know by now who you’re dealing with.

I’ll tell them all she pushed me. She’s the one who should be locked up. That’s what I’ll do.

Wait, my eyes are opening. I can see. It’s bright light. But yes, there’s Ashlyn and Kate, and the boyfriend. I need water.

“Isn’t this a surprise? Thank you for your help. It was a long shot, but it worked. I’m Chief Briggs. Mrs. Tish Nelson, also known as Terry Jane Crawford, you are under arrest for the murder of John Nelson, and for the forgery of John Nelson’s last will and testament. You have the right to an attorney, and the right to remain silent, which you seem very good at.”

I close my eyes. Now they know I can hear them. But I can’t move. Crap. I feel like screaming, but I can’t. Help me, someone?

“Let’s step outside, shall we?” The police chief again. The air shifts and my door closes with a swish.

Good riddance. Even though I’m trapped here, imprisoned by my own body, at least I’m not in jail. It’s peaceful here. I can sleep and dream all day. I will make the most of it.

I feel a hand on my head, breath on my cheek. Who is with me? A kind nurse? I hope she will wash my hair.

“Hello, Tish.”

It’s Kate. I don’t like her tone. I wish I could call for help.

Help me. Someone. Kate’s not trustworthy. She’s not what she seems.

“Tish, it’s possible when you opened your eyes it was some sort of unconscious spasm. But if not, and you’re waking up, you’ll soon be found guilty of murder and spend the rest of your life in prison. If you aren’t, they’ll be pulling the plug soon, so you’ll be dead.”

Her breath is hot on my face. She’s standing too close to me. I’m in here, trapped in my own body. I try to open my eyes again, but I can’t.

“However it goes, if you live in prison for the rest of your life or you die here in this lovely place, I want you to know one very important thing.”

What? Spit it out already!

“I was killing John. You just beat me to it.”

My eyes fly open before I can stop them. I try to focus on Kate. She’s blurry, but it’s her. She has a smile on her face. I close my eyes