Chapter 7
Daniel was arrested that evening.
Forgery.
Attempted real estate fraud.
Identity theft.
Assault-related intimidation.
Evidence tampering.
Madison was not arrested that night.
Karen said cooperation mattered.
I said the slap mattered too.
The officer agreed.
Madison was cited for assault and trespass pending review.
She did not argue.
Before leaving, she stood near the door with her arms wrapped around herself.
“I didn’t know about the forgery,” she said.
I looked at her.
“But you knew I was his wife.”
Her face crumpled.
“Yes.”
“You knew this was my home.”
“Yes.”
“You slapped me in it.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“Yes.”
I opened the door.
“Then start your honesty there.”
She nodded and walked out.
I closed the door.
For the first time that day, the house was quiet.
Not peaceful.
Just quiet.
I walked to the sofa and picked up my robe with two fingers.
Then I threw it into a trash bag.
Karen watched.
“That robe was expensive.”
May you like
“So was the lesson.”
She almost smiled.
