“You know what I mean, Benny. The girls too, of course. But structure helps kids. Boarding programs build character.”
“My old man used to say the same thing.”
“Smart man.”
I nodded and refilled her glass. In my head, I labeled that clip Exhibit B.
***
After Claire fell asleep, I sat in the garage with my laptop. I backed up every screenshot to a cloud folder I named “Wedding Vows,” because if I was going to do this, I was going to enjoy at least one joke along the way.
“Boarding programs build character.”
I built the evidence in order. All of it, in a sequence a jury would understand.
I hired a videographer for the party under the excuse of “documenting Claire’s big night.” She practically squealed!
“You’re the sweetest, Benny!”
“I try.”
***
I watched Isla more carefully in those two weeks than I had in months.
I built the evidence in order.
