At Dinner, My Daughter Secretly Slipped Me a Folded Note Right in Front of Everyone: “Pretend You’re Ill and Get Out of Here!”

Dear Diary,

During dinner, my daughter slipped a folded note onto the table in front of me. Pretend youre ill and get out of here, it read. I unfolded the crumpled scrap and never imagined those five hurried words, written in Emilys familiar hand, would turn everything upsidedown: Pretend youre ill and go. I looked at her, bewildered, and she shook her head frantically, her eyes begging me to believe her. Only later did I understand why.

The morning had begun like any other in our home on the outskirts of London. It had been just over two years since I married James, a successful businessman I met after my divorce. To everyones eyes our life was pictureperfect: a comfortable house, a healthy balance in the bank, and my daughter Emily finally had the stability shed long needed. Emily has always been quiet for a fourteenyearold, watching everything like a sponge. At first her relationship with James was strainedas most stepchildren arebut with time they seemed to have found a rhythm. At least thats what I believed.

That Saturday, James invited his partners over for a brunch at our place. It was an important meeting about expanding his firm, and James was keen to make a good impression. I spent the whole week fussing over the menu and the tiniest details of the décor.

I was finishing the salad in the kitchen when Emily appeared, palefaced, her eyes holding a tension I couldnt name. Fear.

Mum, she whispered, slipping past me as quietly as possible, I need to show you something in my room.

James entered the kitchen at that moment, straightening his immaculate tie. He always looked sharp, even for informal home gatherings. What are you two whispering about? he asked with a smile that didnt reach his eyes.

Nothing important, I replied automatically. Emily just needs help with some school work.

Make it quick, he said, glancing at his watch. The guests arrive in thirty minutes and I need you with me.

I nodded and followed Emily down the hallway. As soon as we entered her bedroom she slammed the door shut, a little too hard. Whats wrong, love? Youre scaring me, I said.

She didnt answer. Instead she handed me a small piece of paper from her desk, her hands trembling. I unfolded it and read the hurried scrawl: Pretend youre ill and go. Now.

Emily, what kind of joke is this? I asked, annoyed and confused. We dont have time for games with guests arriving.

Its not a joke, she whispered. Please, Mum, trust me. You have to leave this house this very instant. Make up any excusesay you feel sick and get out.

The desperation in her eyes stopped me cold. In all my years as a mother I had never seen Emily so serious, so frightened. Emily, youre alarming me. Whats happening?

She glanced toward the door as if someone might be listening. I cant explain now. I promise Ill tell you everything later. But right now you must trust me. Please.

Before I could press further, footsteps echoed down the hall. The door knob turned and James appeared, his face clearly irritated. Whats taking you so long? The first guest just arrived.

I looked at Emily, whose pleading gaze seemed to beg me to act. On an impulse I decided to trust her. Im sorry, James, I said, pressing a hand to my forehead. Im suddenly feeling a bit dizzy. I think it might be a migraine.

James furrowed his brow, narrowing his eyes. Now, Helen? You were fine a minute ago.

I know, I said, trying to sound genuinely unwell. It just hit me out of the blue. You can start without me. Ill pop a tablet and lie down for a while.

For a tense moment I expected an argument, but the doorbell rang and James seemed to decide the guests were more important. All right, but try to join us as soon as you can, he said, leaving the room.

As soon as we were alone, Emily seized my hands. Youre not going to lie down. Were leaving now. Tell them you need to go to the chemist for something stronger. Ill come with you.

Emily, this is absurd. I cant abandon our guests, I protested.

Mum, she said, voice shaking, please. This isnt a game. Its about your life.

There was something raw and genuine in her fear that gave me a chill. What could frighten my daughter so much? What did she know that I didnt? I hurriedly grabbed my handbag and the car keys. We found James in the living room, chatting cheerfully with two suitclad men.

James, Im sorry, I interrupted, my head is getting worse. I need to go to the chemist, Emilys coming with me.

His smile froze for a heartbeat before he turned to the guests with a resigned expression. My wife isnt feeling well, he said. Well be back soon. He sounded casual, but his eyes held something I couldnt read.

We slipped into the car. Emilys hands trembled as she sat beside me. Drive, Mum, she said, staring at the house as if expecting something terrible to happen. Get as far away as you can. Ill explain everything on the way.

I started the engine, my mind a whirlwind of questions. What could be so serious? As we pulled away, Emily began to speak and my world collapsed.

James is trying to kill you, Mum, she said, her voice breaking with a sob. I heard him on the phone last night, talking about putting poison in your tea.

I slammed on the brakes, nearly colliding with a parked lorry at the traffic light. I was stunned, breathless, unable to speak. Her words sounded like they were ripped from a cheap thriller.

Whats going on, Emily? This isnt funny, I managed, voice shaking.

Do you think Id joke about something like that? she cried, eyes wet, face twisted between fear and anger. I heard everything, Mum. Everything.

A car behind us honked, and the light turned green. I accelerated, driving without a clear destination, only to get as far away as possible. Tell me exactly what you heard, I asked, trying to stay calm while my heart hammered in my chest.

Emily inhaled deeply before beginning. I went down to get water around two in the morning. Jamess study door was ajar, light spilling out. He was on the phone, whispering. At first I thought he was talking about the business, but then he said my name.

I gripped the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned white.

He said, Everythings set for tomorrow. Helen will take the tea as she always does at these events. No one will suspect anything. Itll look like a heart attack. Make sure it happens. And then he laughed, as if he were talking about the weather.

My stomach turned. This could not be true. The man I shared a bed with, who had promised to build a future, plotting my death? Maybe you misheard, I suggested desperately. Perhaps it was another Helen, or just a metaphor about a deal.

Emily shook her head vehemently. No, Mum. He was talking about you, about todays brunch. He said if you were out of the way hed have full access to the life insurance and the house. She hesitated, then added, He also mentioned my name. He said hed take care of me in some way.

A cold shiver ran down my spine. James had always been affectionate, attentive. How could I have been so wrong? Why would he do that? I whispered, more to myself than to her.

The life insurance, Mum. The policy you both took out six months ago. Remember? One million dollars, she said.

My gut clenched as if punched. The insuranceJames had pushed it so hard, saying it was for my protection. Now it looked like the very reason for his betrayal.

Theres more, Emily continued, voice barely audible. After he hung up, he started sorting through some papers. I waited until he left and went into his office. There were documents about his debtslots of them. The company is almost bankrupt.

I pulled the car to the side, unable to drive any further. How could James be bankrupt? How had I missed it?

And I found this, she said, pulling a folded slip from her pocket. Its an extract from another bank account in his name. Hes been moving small sums there for months, trying not to raise suspicion.

I took the paper with trembling hands. It was truea hidden account, funded by the money wed inherited from my parents flat. The reality crystallised: James had been stealing from us for months, and now he decided I was worth more dead than alive.

God, how could I have been so blind? I whispered, nausea rising.

Emily placed her hand on mine, a surprisingly mature gesture of comfort. Its not your fault, Mum. Hes deceived everyone. A terrible thought struck me. Emily, did you take those documents from his office? What if he notices theyre missing? I asked, dread returning to her eyes.

I photographed them and put everything back. I dont think hell notice, she replied, though neither of us seemed convinced. James was meticulous.

We have to call the police, I said, reaching for my phone.

What? That he said it on the phone? That we have documents proving hes diverting money? We have no concrete proof, Mum, Emily replied.

She was right. It would be our word against a respected businessman, against a woman labelled hysterical and a teenage girl deemed problematic. While we weighed our options, my phone buzzed. A message from James: Where are you? The guests are asking for you.

It felt so ordinary, so mundane.

What do we do now? Emily asked, voice trembling.

We couldnt go back home. That was clear. But we also couldnt simply disappear; James had resources. He would find us.

First we need solid evidence, I decided. Something he cant deny.

What kind?

The substance he planned to use today, I said, my mind racing. The plan was risky, perhaps reckless, but the initial terror was giving way to a cold, calculated anger. We had to act fast.

Lets go, I announced, turning the key in the ignition.

What? Mum, youve gone mad! Hell kill us! Emily shouted.

If we get to him first, maybe we can stop him, I replied, surprised by my own steadiness. Think, Emily. If we flee now with no proof, hell say I had a nervous breakdown and fled irrationally. Hell find us and well be even more vulnerable. I turned sharply toward the house. We need undeniable proof. The substance he intends to use today is our best leverage.

Emily stared at me, fear and admiration mixed in her gaze. But how do we get it without him noticing?

Well keep up the ruse. Ill say Im off to the chemist, take a painkiller, and feel a bit better. Youll stay in your room, pretend youre ill too. While I distract James and the guests, youll search the office.

She nodded slowly, determination in her eyes. And if I find something? Or if he spots what were doing?

I swallowed hard. Send me a text that says now. If I get it, Ill make an excuse and well leave immediately. If you find anything, take photos, but dont take anything physical.

As we neared the house, my heart beat faster. We were about to step into the lions den. Pulling into the driveway, I saw more cars the guests had arrived.

The murmur of conversation greeted us as we entered. James stood in the middle of the salon, telling a story that made everyone laugh. When he saw us, his smile faltered for a moment.

Ah, youre back, he said, wrapping an arm around my waist. His touch, once comforting, now felt repulsive. Feeling better, love?

Just a little, I replied, forcing a smile. The medicine is starting to work.

Good, he said, turning to Emily. You look a bit pale, dear.

Ive got a headache too, Emily murmured, playing her part perfectly. I think Ill go to bed for a while.

Of course, James said, his concern sounding genuine enough that, had I not known the truth, I would have believed him.

Emily went upstairs and I joined the guests, accepting a glass of water James offered. I declined the champagne, saying it wouldnt mix with my medication.

Nothing for tea today? he asked, his tone casual, and a chill ran down my spine.

No, thank you, I said lightly. Im trying to avoid caffeine with this migraine.

A flash of something dark crossed his eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual charm. As James guided me through the crowd, I kept a tight smile, while inside I was on high alert. Every time his hand brushed my arm I had to restrain myself from pulling away. Each smile he gave seemed to hide a sinister hint. I discreetly checked my phone still no message from Emily.

Twenty minutes later, while James and I were chatting with a couple, my phone buzzed. A single word lit the screen: now.

Cold blood flooded my veins. We had to leave at once. Excuse us, I said to the group, forcing another smile. I need to check on Emily. Before James could protest, I hurried up the stairs.

I found Emily in her room, pale as paper. Shes coming, she whispered, clutching my arm. I saw him go up and ran after him.

Did you find anything? I asked, pulling her toward the door.

Yes, in the office. A small, unlabeled bottle in his desk drawer. I took photos.

We had no time to waste. Footsteps echoed down the hallway and Jamess voice called, Helen? Emily? Are you there?

Emily and I exchanged a quick glance. We couldnt use the main hallway he would see us. The bedroom window faced the back garden, but we were on the second floor; a fall would be dangerous.

Stay where you are, I whispered. Well pretend were still talking.

The door opened and James entered, his eyes snapping to Emilys frightened face. Is everything alright here? he asked, trying to sound nonchalant but his gaze was sharp.

Yes, I said, trying to sound normal. Emily still has a headache. I came to see if she needed anything.

James watched us a moment, squinting slightly. I see. And you, love, are still feeling unwell?

Its a bit better, I said, lying. I think I can join the party soon.

He smiled, though his eyes never warmed. Great. Ive prepared that special tea you like. Its waiting in the kitchen.

My stomach lurched. The tea. The trap hed mentioned on the phone. Thank you, but I think Ill stay here a little longer with Emily, I replied, buying time.

He hesitated, then nodded. Dont take too long.

The moment he left, Emily and I looked at each other, alarmed. The tea, she whispered. Hell insist you drink it.

I know, I replied, panic rising. We have to get out now, even if we have to use the window. As we plotted our escape, a click sounded from the door lock James had locked us in.

Were locked in? Emily cried, rushing to the door and trying fruitlessly to open it.

Fear threatened to freeze me, but I forced myself to think. If he had locked us, he must suspect something. The window, I said, moving quickly toward it. It was a fivemetre drop to the garden not fatal but certainly risky.

Its too high, Mum, Emily said, her face twisted with terror.

I know, love, but we have no other choice. I scanned the room and spotted the duvet. We can use this as an improvised rope. I ripped the blanket off the bed and tied it to the heavy desk base. It wasnt long enough to reach the ground, but it would lessen the fall.

Mom, hes coming back, Emily whispered, eyes wide.

I could hear his footsteps drawing nearer. Quick, I urged, finishing the knot and throwing the blanket out the window. You go first. Drop as low as you can, then let go.

Emily hesitated only a heartbeat before climbing onto the makeshift rope. The footsteps grew louder. The lock clicked. Go! I shouted.

She lowered herself, clinging to the cloth, still a couple of metres above the grass. Let go now! I urged as the door began to open. She released and hit the lawn, rolling as Id instructed, and scrambled to her feet, thumbs up.

There was no time to lose. James burst into the room. Without a second thought I grabbed the blanket and flung myself out the window, sliding down the makeshift rope so fast my hands burned. I hit the ground hard, a sharp pain shooting through my left ankle, but adrenaline kept me moving.

Run! I yelled to Emily. I saw James peering out the window, his face twisted with fury.

Its on the stairs, I warned, pulling her hand. We must hurry. We scrambled across the back garden, limping toward the low wall that separated our property from the side street. Shouts and doors slammed behind us as James alerted the guests, turning our escape into a public spectacle.

We burst into a small woodland reserve. The photos, I reminded her. Do you still have them? She nodded and pulled out her phone. The images showed the amber bottle and a sheet of Jamess handwriting: a timeline of the days events, including the tea, the expected effects, and a note about calling an ambulance at a specific time.

Police voices sounded in the distance. LetThe officers arrived just as we slipped through the gate, cuffed James, and escorted us to safety, finally allowing us to breathe a sigh of relief that echoed through the quiet night.