Chapter 6: The Reckoning at Home

5

I didn’t give her a chance to explain and continued, "I know that these three years after your husband passed, Charles sent money and vouchers to your house every month, and you never gave me any of it."

My voice was icy, steady, every syllable ringing out clear for the neighbors to hear. I wanted the whole street to know the truth.

Melissa looked at me, just about to speak, but I cut her off.

I raised a hand, signaling I wasn’t finished. Her lips quivered, but she stayed silent.

I said, "I don’t care what shady things you and Charles have going on, but you must return every penny and voucher that belongs to me."

My words hung heavy in the air. For the first time, I felt powerful, unafraid.

"Otherwise, I’ll file a report with the sheriff."

I could practically see the gossip chain lighting up—by morning, half the county would know.

My words nearly made Melissa stagger. "Helen, it’s not like that, I didn’t…"

She stammered, desperate, but I just shook my head. The old Helen would’ve listened. Not this time.

"Not what? You didn’t what?"

I crossed my arms, fixing her with a stare that brooked no argument. The neighbors were silent, hanging on every word.

"You didn’t take Charles’s money and vouchers, or you didn’t have something going on with him?"

I let the accusation linger. Melissa’s cheeks burned red, and she looked down at her shoes, unable to meet my eyes.

"I don’t care about your business, but the money and vouchers—you must give me all of them tonight, or I’ll go to the sheriff tomorrow."

There was a finality to my words, a promise I intended to keep. I gathered my daughter in my arms, turning my back on the whole spectacle.

I picked up my daughter and turned to leave.

Her small hand curled around my shoulder, her head on my chest. For once, I didn’t feel the weight of shame. I felt free.

"Hey, Helen, Helen…"

Melissa called after me, her voice panicked, but I kept walking. I didn’t owe her a thing.