Chapter 9: Forty-Eight Hours
The call came in thirty-six.
Detective Reyes.
Carol had been brought in for questioning.
She had not denied the transaction record.
She had, according to Reyes, asked for an attorney within the first ten minutes.
"What does that mean for the timeline?" I asked.
"It means she's taking it seriously," Reyes said.
"Which is the right response.
Her attorney will likely advise her to cooperate in exchange for consideration on sentencing.
That's common in cases like this."
"And the mortgage?
Our house?"
"Your attorney will need to file a civil motion to have the fraudulent instrument voided.
Paul Calloway has already been in contact with our office.
He knows what needs to happen."
I thanked her and hung up.
Richard was in the doorway.
He'd heard enough.
"It's moving," I said.
"Yes."
I set my phone on the counter.
For two days, the house had felt like a waiting room.
We'd been careful with each other — not cold, but measured.
Passing in the kitchen.
Saying the necessary things.
Leaving space.
"I've been thinking about Sandra," I said.
Richard went still.
"I don't want to have that conversation yet," I said.
"I'm not ready and I don't think you should push me to be." I looked at him.
"But I want you to know that I'm not leaving.
I'm not making that decision right now.
I need time to understand what I feel about it and I need you to give me that time without trying to fix it."
"I can do that," he said.
"And I need you to stop managing things without telling me.
The mortgage, the lawyer, all of it.
I understand why you did it.
I even understand the instinct.
But I am your wife and I am not someone who needs to be shielded from our own life."
"You're right," he said.
"I know you're right."
"Good."
I picked up my coffee.
"I'm going to call my sister," I said.
"I haven't spoken to her properly in weeks."
"Okay."
"And tonight I'd like to have dinner at home.
Not a restaurant." I paused.
"Just us."
Something shifted in his face.
Not relief exactly.
Something quieter than that.
"I'll cook," he said.
"You'll attempt to cook," I said.
"I'll supervise."
May you like
He almost smiled.
I went to call my sister.
