Chapter 12 - RYAN’S MOTHER
Ryan’s mother, Carolyn, called me from an attorney’s office.
I almost refused.
Dana listened.
Carolyn cried.
“He loves you.”
I said nothing.
“He’s under impossible pressure.”
Still nothing.
“The company supports twenty-six families.”
There it was.
Not:
Are you hurt?
Not:
How is the baby?
Payroll.
“He buried me in mud.”
“He says you fell.”
“There’s a recording.”
Silence.
Then:
“He didn’t mean—”
“Stop.”
She stopped.
“Did you know about the loan?”
“No.”
“Did you know he wanted my trust included?”
“I knew he said your father’s money could save the business.”
My throat tightened.
“What did you say?”
“That marriage means helping each other.”
“Did he say I agreed?”
Carolyn hesitated.
“No.”
There.
“What did he say?”
“That you would once you calmed down.”
I laughed.
The family phrase.
Calm down.
May you like
Meaning:
Agree later.
