Chapter 8 - RITA FINALLY CALLED
Rita waited three days.
By then I was home.
Not at the house.
At Michael’s.
Helen strongly advised me not to return alone while Victor still had personal belongings there and tempers were unresolved.
My recovery was slower than Victor’s. Walking hurt. Laughing hurt. Standing from a chair required planning.
Every physical reminder made the betrayal feel more obscene.
I had permanently altered my body for a man who had scheduled the theft of my home around his discharge date.
Rita called at 8:14 on Saturday morning.
I answered.
“Sarah.”
Her voice sounded cautious.
“I’m glad you picked up.”
“Why?”
“I think you have the wrong impression.”
I closed my eyes.
Victor had apparently distributed scripts.
“Which impression? The affair or the house?”
Silence.
Then she said, “Victor and I did not intend to hurt you.”
“That must be comforting for you.”
“Your marriage was over.”
“To whom?”
“Sarah.”
“No. I’m genuinely asking. Because nobody told me.”
She sighed.
“The property arrangement was part of a larger plan.”
“Why is your company on the deed?”
“It was never meant to deprive you of anything.”
“Then why wasn’t I told?”
Another silence.
I waited.
People reveal far more when you let them experience the discomfort of unanswered truth.
Finally Rita said, “Victor said you would become emotional.”
I smiled.
There it was.
The oldest trick in the book.
Exclude a woman from a decision.
Then describe her reaction to exclusion as proof she could not have handled the decision.
“Did you notarize the power of attorney?”
Her breathing changed.
“I witnessed signatures.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
“Sarah, I really think our attorneys should handle this.”
For the first time, she said something sensible.
“I agree.”
I hung up.
Helen called an hour later.
Rita had retained counsel.
Victor had too.
May you like
That meant the explanations were finished.
Now came records.
