Chapter 2 - A MOTHER AT THE END OF THE TABLE
Wade asked everyone to leave except Charles, Robert, and me.
For a moment I thought it was the first considerate thing he'd done in weeks.
Then he shut the door and rounded on me.
“You brought him here to humiliate me.”
I stared at my son.
“You humiliated me in your house,” I said.
“That's family business.”
Robert's expression tightened.
“Family business does not stay private simply because the person being hurt has been trained to keep quiet.”
Charles moved toward the conference phone.
“We need counsel present before this goes any further.”
“Then call counsel,” Robert said.
Wade laughed nervously.
“This is insane. A family disagreement has become an interrogation.”
Robert slid another sheet across the table.
It was a disclosure form bearing Wade's signature.
The form claimed he had no personal financial relationship with any prospective supplier.
“Is this yours?” Robert asked.
Wade hesitated.
“Yes, but—”
“And did the firm called Northbridge Advisory pay your household account last March?”
Wade's face drained.
I recognized the name.
Fallon had once mentioned Northbridge while explaining why their kitchen renovation had cost nothing.
She had called it a friendship.
Wade glanced toward me.
“Mom, I can explain.”
“I would like you to,” I replied.
He looked furious that I had spoken.
Charles took the document.
“This needs an independent review.”
Robert nodded.
“Wade will not be declared guilty because of my displeasure with how he treated Edna.”
I felt a moment of relief.
“Nor,” Robert continued, “will he be exempt from scrutiny because he's family.”
Wade folded his arms.
“You're ruining my life to teach me manners.”
“No,” I said before Robert could answer.
“I spent years trying to teach you manners. This is what happens when you stop listening.”
The door opened after a knock.
A woman in a charcoal suit entered and introduced herself as Miriam Cole, general counsel.
She placed a small recorder on the table and asked whether everyone consented to an official interview.
Wade refused.
Miriam nodded calmly.
“Then this meeting is over, and all related records must be preserved.”
My son stood abruptly.
“I'm calling Fallon.”
He reached the door, then turned.
“Mom, if you love me, you will tell them this is a misunderstanding.”
My throat burned.
“I love you, Wade,” I answered.
“But I will not lie for you.”
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For the first time, he looked frightened of me rather than embarrassed by me.
