Chapter 4 - The Decision Everett Regretted
By the following morning, the situation had become worse.
Lenora insisted on reporting the missing brooch.
She also told Everett that keeping Maribel in the house would expose the family to further risk.
Everett resisted at first.
“She’s worked here almost nine years.”
“That does not make her incapable of making a bad decision.”
“We have no proof.”
Lenora lowered her voice.
“Your responsibility is to protect your son and this family, not protect an employee because you feel sorry for her.”
That sentence stayed with Everett.
When Maribel arrived that morning, he was waiting in the study.
She knew something was wrong before he spoke.
“Maribel, I think it would be best if you took some time away from the house while this is being sorted out.”
Her expression changed.
“You mean I’m being fired.”
Everett looked uncomfortable.
“I didn’t say that.”
“Then look at me and tell me you believe I didn’t take it.”
He said nothing.
Maribel nodded slowly.
That silence gave her the answer.
She removed the house keys from her purse and placed them on his desk.
“I changed your son’s sheets yesterday. His blue sweater is still in the dryer. He has a spelling test tomorrow, and he gets nervous if no one practices with him before breakfast.”
Everett lowered his eyes.
“Maribel…”
“You’ve known me for nine years.”
Her voice shook, but she refused to cry in front of him.
“Nine years should have been worth one sentence.”
May you like
She walked out without taking anything except her coat and purse.
From an upstairs window, Owen watched her leave.
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