Chapter 9 - COME WITHOUT YOUR LAWYER
Daniel called before Helen could arrange the next meeting.
“Dad, I need to explain.”
“Explain it to your attorney.”
“I’m trying to save this family.”
I looked through the kitchen doorway at Margaret, who was struggling to open a jar with one hand.
“Then start by telling the truth.”
“I can’t do that over the phone.”
He wanted to meet at a marina restaurant where I used to take him after fishing.
Of course he did.
He knew what memories cost me.
“Come alone,” he said. “No lawyers.”
I told Helen.
She advised me not to discuss any agreement or sign anything. I told her I needed to look at my son without Richard standing behind him.
When I arrived, Daniel was already seated.
So was Richard.
I almost left.
Daniel stood.
“Please. Ten minutes.”
I sat where I could see the door.
Richard slid a folder across the table.
“Let’s stop reacting and solve the actual problem.”
I didn’t touch it.
“The actual problem is that your daughter hurt my wife.”
“And she regrets how that looked.”
“How it looked?”
Daniel flinched.
Richard continued.
“The lender is asking questions that could affect several projects. Employees could lose jobs. Families who have nothing to do with this.”
“Then you should have considered them before using Margaret’s name.”
He leaned back.
For the first time, his polite expression dropped.
“You were giving them the house anyway.”
“Giving is a choice.”
“Not when people have reasonably relied on a promise.”
“Have your attorney call Helen.”
Daniel pushed the folder closer.
“Dad, it’s just a statement that Mom authorized preliminary discussions.”
“She didn’t.”
“It would give us time.”
“To do what?”
He stared at the table.
I stood.
Richard caught the edge of my sleeve.
“Be careful. Daniel signed submissions. If this becomes a criminal matter, he won’t be standing outside it.”
I pulled my arm free.
“Is that a warning about my son, or a threat against him?”
Richard released me.
On my way out, Daniel followed.
For a moment, I thought he might apologize.
Instead, he said, “If you ever loved me, help me fix this.”
I looked at the man who had once fallen asleep against my shoulder.
“I did help you. For thirty-one years.”
Then I left him in the parking lot.
May you like
Before I reached home, Vanessa sent Margaret a message.
If Daniel loses everything, remember who made that happen.
