My father looked down. The document was a bank statement, but something had been highlighted in yellow. A transfer. Twelve thousand five hundred dollars. Recipient: Richard Carter. Description: Home Repair — Hazel.
My father’s face changed again, something crumbling behind his eyes.
Mr. Grant continued. “There are eleven transfers like this.” My father said nothing. “Some were sent to your company.” More papers appeared. “Some went to your personal account.” More. “Some were used to pay debts that had nothing to do with your mother at all.”
My mother slowly backed away from him, several small steps. “Richard—”
He turned toward her sharply. “Don’t.”
She stared at him, tears already forming. “Did you know?”
He didn’t answer.
“Did you know?” Her voice cracked on the repetition.
Still nothing.
Aunt Monica suddenly shouted, her composure finally shattering completely. “Of course he knew!”
Everyone turned toward her. She was crying openly now, her carefully applied makeup already streaking. “He told me Mom wouldn’t notice!”
