At ten Friday morning, Derek entered in a tailored navy suit, Vanessa beside him carrying my birthday gift, a designer handbag.
Both looked delighted until Derek noticed me at the head of the table. His grin disappeared.
“Dad?” Vanessa whispered.
I clasped my hands.
“Good morning.”
Derek found his composure first.
“So you made it home. You could’ve told us.”
“You told me to walk.”
Vanessa turned her face aside.
Beside the projector, Richard rose.
“Please sit down. We have several matters to address.”
Derek sat heavily.
“If this is about the cemetery, you’re seriously overreacting.”
Richard displayed unauthorized consulting payments, altered approvals, and invoices for services never provided.
Color gradually left Derek’s face.
“What is this?”
“Evidence,” Richard answered.
Vanessa leaned toward me.
“Dad, you don’t understand how business works anymore.”
I met her eyes.
“I understand that your husband received $416,000 in questionable payments from my company.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Derek shouted.
Richard laid another paper before him.
“Your access was suspended Tuesday. The board has approved termination for cause, subject to final legal review. The company is pursuing recovery of the funds.”
Derek jumped up.
“You can’t fire me! I’m family!”
“Family,” I repeated quietly. “That’s what I thought.”
Next, Richard projected the message about sending me into permanent care. Vanessa started sobbing.
“Daddy, we were worried about you.”
“Were you worried when you drove away?”
Her hand went to her mouth.
“Were you worried when you told me not to wait?”
She offered no reply.
I moved my phone across the tabletop, their messages visible on its screen.
“Those were your exact words.”
Derek gestured accusingly toward me.
“You’re going to destroy your daughter’s life over one argument?”
“No,” I replied. “I’m protecting what Eleanor and I spent our lives building.”
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