Chapter 2 - Designer Bags
Before Elena could answer, laughter floated down the hallway.
Mia entered the kitchen carrying four glossy shopping bags. She wore a new tan designer tracksuit and oversized sunglasses pushed into her hair.
Brent followed her.
Daniel recognized him from photographs but had only met him twice. Brent had no steady job, but he always seemed to own expensive shoes, watches, and electronics.
Mia stopped when she saw her father.
“You’re home early.”
Daniel rose slowly.
Brent’s eyes dropped toward Daniel’s suitcase.
“Mr. Mercer,” he said. “Good trip?”
Daniel ignored him.
He looked at Mia’s shopping bags, then at the empty refrigerator.
“Your mother hasn’t eaten.”
Mia released an irritated breath.
“She refused the delivery.”
“What delivery?”
“The grocery delivery. She said she didn’t want anything.”
Elena shook her head.
“That isn’t true.”
Mia turned sharply.
“Mom, you told me you weren’t hungry.”
“I asked for soup, fruit, bread, and milk.”
“You kept changing your mind.”
Daniel watched his daughter’s expression. There was no concern in it. Only annoyance at being questioned.
He pointed toward the refrigerator.
“Where did the eight hundred dollars go?”
Mia crossed her arms.
“Food is expensive.”
“There is no food.”
“We ordered takeout.”
Elena closed her eyes.
Daniel looked toward the trash can. It was empty.
Mia noticed.
“We cleaned up.”
Daniel’s gaze moved to Brent. On his wrist was a silver watch with a dark blue face.
Daniel knew that watch.
Elena had given it to him on their twentieth anniversary. He had left it in the bedroom safe because he feared losing it during the trip.
Brent placed his hand behind his back.
Daniel said nothing.
Mia lifted one of the shopping bags.
“I bought a few things with my own money. You’re making this into something it isn’t.”
Daniel’s anger sharpened, but years of negotiating hostile contracts had taught him how to hide it.
He took out his phone.
“Show me the grocery receipts.”
Mia laughed.
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“I deleted them.”
May you like
“Show me the bank account.”
Her smile faded.
