He did.
“Please don’t read that in front of them.”
“Do you know who she is?”
Marcus looked at the envelope. “Yes.”
I sent the children to the living room with cartoons and made Marcus sit at the kitchen table.
I called the school to confirm everyone was home safely.
The principal promised to investigate how the form had been accepted.
I told her we would be reporting what happened.
When I returned, Marcus had placed both hands flat on the table.
“Victoria was Emily’s friend,” he said.
“Then why did you say you didn’t know her?”
“I never said that. I said I didn’t authorize her.”
He was right, technically. But he had allowed me to believe she was a stranger to him.
“Why did she take your children?”
“Because she wants to punish me.”
“For what?”
“Mom, please. Give me the letter.”
I opened it instead.
The letter began, “Helen, I’m sorry to leave this with you, but I don’t know who else will believe me.”
