4
I went to the master bedroom to raid Howard’s safe. One hundred gold bars. I stuffed every last one into a
large suitcase. As I grabbed the final bar, my fingers brushed against a hidden button.
A secret compartment clicked open.
Inside was an old photograph. The background was a breathtaking ski resort. There were five people in the
photo. Two young boys were teaching a little girl how to ski. The two adults with them were a younger Howa-
rd and Serena Crest.
In the photo, Howard was dashing, and Serena was young and vibrant, her long hair blowing in the wind. It
was a candid shot.
They looked like a perfect, happy family of five.
I clutched the photograph, my world shaking, my hands trembling uncontrollably. This was worse, so much
worse, than what my daughters–in–law had told me. A sharper, more vicious blow to the heart.
So it was all true.
I wanted to storm up to Howard, throw the picture in his face, and demand to know why. Why had he done.
this to me? It wasn’t me who had refused the divorce all those years ago. Why cling to me with one hand while secretly taking our sons on dates with his old flame? And turning my own sons against me, making them worship her daughter?
It was disgusting. I felt sick.
Suddenly, a low voice came from behind me. “What are you doing in my safe? Why are all the gold bars out?”
