“Because Opal arranged it through a settlement.”
I called Nathaniel back in.
He confirmed pieces.
Yes, there had been a confidential settlement.
No, he had not known Mom personally received funds.
Then I asked the question.
“Where is Elaine now?”
No one answered.
Nathaniel looked at my mother.
Mom looked down.
My skin prickled.
“Where is she?”
Finally Mom said:
“Dead.”
“When?”
“Twenty-three years ago.”
“How?”
No answer.
“Mom.”
“A car accident.”
Something in her voice was wrong.
“Was Dad involved?”
“No.”
Too fast.
I stood.
“Was he?”
“No!”
Nathaniel intervened.
“Sylvie.”
But Mom was unraveling.
“Your father didn’t kill her.”
“I didn’t say kill.”
Mom froze.
There are moments when truth enters a room before anyone speaks it.
That was one.
I whispered:
“What happened?”
Mom stared at the table.
Then told me.
Elaine had taken the settlement.
Then demanded more.
She threatened to expose everything.
She arranged to meet my father.
