Chapter 3 — He Did Not Raise His Voice

Walter did not raise his voice once, and that was the part Rachel could not read.

WalterSit down, Rachel.

RachelI don't need to sit down in my own kitchen.

WalterSit down.

Rachel sat down.

WalterWhen did Tom leave for Houston.

RachelTuesday. He's back the fourteenth.

WalterSo it's been the two of you and the girls for nine days.

RachelYes.

WalterHow many nights has she done the dishes.

RachelShe helps out. Children should help out. My mother had me —

WalterHow many nights.

RachelI don't keep a record.

WalterI do.

RachelWhat is that supposed to mean?

WalterIt means Lily calls me on Sunday mornings. Every Sunday. She has for a year.

RachelShe's seven years old, she exaggerates —

WalterThree weeks ago she asked me what a person has to do to go and live with their grandfather.

RachelThat is manipulative and you know it.

WalterI told her that wasn't something she needed to worry about.

RachelBecause it isn't.

Walter took out his phone.

RachelWho are you calling? Walter. Who are you calling.

WalterBill Hanrahan.

RachelIt's nine o'clock at night.

WalterHe'll pick up.

RachelYour lawyer? Over dishes? Walter, listen to yourself —

WalterBill. It's Walter. Sorry about the hour.

RachelHang up.

WalterI need to talk about the house on Ridgeway.

Rachel went very still.

WalterNo, the title. Whose name is on the title.

RachelYou are being ridiculous.

WalterThat's what I thought. Yes. Both of them. Tomorrow morning is fine.

RachelTom lives here. Tom's name is on the mortgage.

WalterThere is no mortgage, Rachel.

RachelWhat?

WalterI paid for this house in 2019. Tom rents it from me for a dollar a year so the accountant has something to file.

RachelThat is not — Tom would have told me that.

WalterWould he.