Chapter 6 - DANIEL'S OFFER
Daniel came home Sunday.
He looked like a man who had finally spoken to lawyers.
He placed a folder on the kitchen island.
“Settlement proposal.”
I almost smiled.
“We haven't filed.”
“We don't need to make this ugly.”
There it was.
The traditional opening statement of people who had already made things ugly.
I opened it.
He offered me two million dollars.
The Manhattan apartment.
Full medical expenses.
Child support.
In exchange, I would disclaim any future interest in Hollis Manor and agree not to cooperate with any investigation concerning the financing documents.
I closed the folder.
“No.”
“Maggie, be reasonable.”
“I am.”
“Two million dollars.”
“You owe fourteen.”
His face changed.
I knew.
That was the moment he understood Jade had talked.
“You have no idea how business works.”
“Maybe.”
I touched the folder.
“But apparently neither do you.”
He leaned over the island.
“If my company collapses, our daughter loses too.”
“No.”
“What?”
“Our daughter loses the inheritance you planned to mortgage.”
He slammed his hand down.
I flinched.
He saw it.
For one second, shame appeared.
Then disappeared.
“You're destroying this family.”
Rosemary's voice came from the doorway.
“No, Daniel.”
He turned.
She walked in carrying Harold's cane.
She had kept it since his death.
“You are.”
“Mom, stay out of this.”
“I spent thirty-eight hours giving birth to you.”
Rosemary sat down.
“I'll decide when I'm out.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
“This is between my wife and me.”
“No.”
Rosemary looked at him.
“You used my signature.”
“I didn't forge it.”
“Then tell me who did.”
Silence.
“Exactly.”
She placed another document on the counter.
Revocation of power of attorney.
Daniel stared.
“You can't—”
“I just did.”
Then another.
Notice to the lender disputing the collateral.
Then another.
Formal complaint.
Daniel looked at his mother.
“You reported me?”
“I reported my signature.”
His voice broke.
“I'm your son.”
Rosemary's face changed.
Pain.
Real pain.
“Yes.”
She reached across the counter and touched his hand.
“And that is why I should have stopped making excuses for you years ago.”
Daniel pulled away.
He left without the settlement folder.
Three hours later, my water broke.
May you like
Eight weeks early.
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