I answered because I was waiting for Emma’s therapist.
“Rachel, listen before you hang up.”
“You have thirty seconds.”
“Scott is blaming me. Dad bl@mes Mom, and Mom claims Dad forced her onto the plane. Everyone is changing the story.”
“Discuss that with your lawyers.”
“We need a consistent explanation.”
“I already know the truth.”
“You were not there.”
“Emma was.”
Lauren breathed out sharply.
“Our daughters are suffering. Scott and I cannot pay the property taxes because the trip consumed our emergency savings. Mom barely leaves her room, and Dad’s townhouse deal coll@psed. How many consequences will satisfy you?”
Through the kitchen window, I watched Emma helping Diane grow mint inside a ceramic pot.
“These are not punishments I created. I stopped financing people who abandoned my daughter. The police investigation is not under my control. Your debt is not mine to repair.”
“You always help us.”
