“Why? Because you stole? Or because you got caught?”
“Both, I guess. But mostly at him for telling me to do it.”
“Has he lived with you the whole time since you left me?”
“No. After all our money was gone, he disappeared and was gone for about three years. He came back last year.”
“Why did your mother take him back?”
“I don’t know. Feeling sorry for herself, I guess. Or lonely. When he left, she started drinking. A lot. She still does. Several times she told me she was going to call you, but every time she started to, she started drinking some more and never did. She had a couple of boyfriends, but they never lasted long.”
“Okay. First, let me tell you something.” I said. “I love you. I always have. I always will. Jimmy Wilson never worked in my office. Never. His cousin, David Jacobson; I know you’ve met him and his wife.” Her eyes went wide in surprise again before she nodded. It was obvious to her that I knew a lot about them. “Well, one time at a party, I saw him put drugs in a girl’s drink so I reported him and he went to jail. When he got out he promised to get even with me so he and Jimmy Wilson showed your mother some pictures of two people doing what they weren’t supposed to be doing. They convinced your mother it was me. It wasn’t.”
She just looked at me. “That’s the truth, Cheryl. I’ve never lied to you.”
“But, if it’s the truth, why didn’t Mom talk to you?”
“That one of the questions I would like to have asked her but she never gave me the chance.”
“I don’t know, Dad. I’m all mixed up.”
“I know. I’ve just recently discovered all of this and am trying to work it all out myself.”
Just then the door opened and they walked in. Carol and Jimmy Wilson. I jumped up and we just looked at each other.
“Carol.” I said quietly.
“I told you to leave us alone, you asshole. Now get your cheating ass out of my house.”
“I’m not the one who cheated. You are.” Then I looked at Wilson. “Isn’t that right?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about. Now get your ass out of here before I break your fucking neck.”
“Mom,” said Cheryl as she rushed to her mother. “I think you might want to listen to Dad.”
“Fuck that cheating motherfucker. He’s got nothing to say I want to hear.”
“Goddamn it, Mom. Listen to him.” Then softer. “Please?”
A long pause as Carol glared at me.
“You have three minutes. Then I’m calling the cops,” Carol said to me as she threw her purse on the sofa, crossed her arms, and continued glaring at me.
“Well, I don’t have to listen to his shit. I’m leaving,” said Wilson.
I moved between him and the door. “No, you’re not. You’re going to sit your ass down and listen.”
He moved to the window and stood.
I started. “Carol, what proof did he,” indicating Wilson, “give you that I was cheating?”
“I told you before. Pictures.”
“These pictures?” And I tossed her four of the ones not showing my face.
“Yes. Those. Where did you get them? Take them out of your collection? How many others have you fucked?”
“They aren’t from my collection. They’re from David Jacobson’s collection. Remember him? They are part of this set.” And I tossed the rest of the pictures to her. The ones showing the faces of the lovers.
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