Chapter 8 - My father’s role
Walt came to my apartment six days after Lizzy moved in.
Rebecca had told me not to discuss financial evidence.
So naturally, my father wanted to discuss financial evidence.
He stood outside holding Lizzy’s school backpack.
“I brought her things.”
“Thank you.”
“Can I come in?”
I hesitated.
Lizzy was at school.
“Five minutes.”
He entered.
Looked around.
“You need a bigger place.”
I almost laughed.
“There it is.”
“What?”
“I’ve had temporary custody for six days.”
“I’m being practical.”
“Try not to be.”
He put the backpack down.
Then:
“Your mother did not steal from Lizzy.”
I stared.
“Rebecca told me not to discuss the accounts.”
“Good.”
“So leave.”
“Natalie.”
“Dad.”
He sighed.
“The trust money reimbursed us for taking care of her.”
“Did the court approve compensation?”
“It wasn’t compensation.”
“What was it?”
“Household costs.”
“Maison Avery?”
His expression changed.
There.
“You know.”
“Your mother bought clothes.”
“Eleven hundred dollars?”
“She has events.”
“For Lizzy?”
Silence.
I asked:
“Did you sign withdrawals?”
Walt looked at me.
“Why?”
“Did you?”
His jaw tightened.
“Your mother and I handled finances together.”
“That is not an answer.”
“It is all I’m saying without counsel.”
May you like
My father had never used the phrase without counsel with me before.
That was when I knew the second signature mattered.
