Chapter 3 - The Doors Open
Marcus came around the table and held his hand out for my phone.
I stepped back.
"Give it to me," he snapped. "You're standing here proving you can't be left alone."
"Careful," I said. "Brooke's still broadcasting how much you care."
Her thumb jabbed at the screen. The recording light went dark.
Too late. The video had already gone out on the private family group they had all but forced me to join months ago — and my phone had saved every second of it. Marcus, on camera, saying he had "taken care of" my finances. Brooke, on camera, telling a room full of witnesses I was having "episodes."
Marcus turned to his friends and opened his hands. "She's like this because I took her car keys away. She got lost driving home last week. It isn't safe."
"I sold that car in May," I said. "I drove myself here tonight."
The woman beside him quietly slid her chair a few inches down the table.
"Marcus, maybe we should just go," Brooke whispered.
He reached for her purse. That was when the waiter came back with the check nobody had paid — and behind him, the frosted-glass doors swung open.
Diane walked in first, charcoal suit, a thick evidence folder under her arm. Behind her came Detective Ray Delgado and a uniformed officer.
Marcus stared at the badge on Delgado's belt. Then he stared at me. And for the first time all night, my son looked frightened.
May you like
Diane set the folder down on the table, right beside the untouched bowl.
"Before anyone leaves," she said, "Mrs. Harlow has one last birthday announcement."
