Four Black SUVs
The following morning, my father came to the cabin with Marlene and Brielle. Marlene eyed my borrowed sweater and muddy boots.
“Tessa, look at yourself.”
I smiled faintly.
“For the first time in years, I actually recognize myself.”
Dad stepped forward.
“Come home.”
I shook my head.
“Yesterday I didn’t have a home.”
Marlene cut in.
“This ridiculous marriage is over. We’ll pay him whatever we promised.”
She pulled an envelope from her purse and tossed it near Silas’s feet.
“Take it and disappear.”
Silas didn’t even glance down.
“Pick that up.”
Marlene laughed. Then we heard engines. Four black SUVs appeared between the trees and stopped outside the cabin. A man in a dark suit climbed out of the first vehicle and walked straight to Silas.
“Everything is ready, Mr. Rowe. The board is waiting for your authorization.”
My father’s face drained of color.
“Rowe?”
He stared at Silas.
“Silas Rowe… Northstar Meridian?”
“Yes.”
Brielle slowly lowered her phone. Marlene’s expression changed almost instantly.
“Tessa, sweetheart, why didn’t you tell us who your husband was?”
I nearly laughed. She hadn’t called me sweetheart in years.
“Because I didn’t know either.”
Marlene moved closer.
“Then this can all be fixed. We’re family.”
I looked at her.
“You chose him because you thought marrying him would punish me.”
“I only wanted someone hardworking for you.”
“You can change your explanation now. You can’t change your intention then.”
For once, she had nothing to say.
