The other half lives

the long version

Ruth Bussey knows what it means to be in the wrong and to be wronged. She once did something she regrets, and her punishment nearly destroyed her. But now she is rebuilding her life, and has found love with a man named Aidan Seed. Aidan is also troubled by a past he hates to talk about ; until one day he decides that he must confide in Ruth. He tells her that years ago he killed someone : a woman named Mary Trelease. Ruth is confused. She's certain she's heard the name before, and when she realises why it sounds familiar, her fear and confusion deepen. The Mary Trelease Ruth knows is very much alive. Why would anyone confess to the murder of someone who isn't dead?