Deep inside, my fingers closed around a small USB drive. This was it. Every record of her siphoning money from my company, every doctored ledger, every piece of ironclad proof.
I hid the drive, put everything back exactly as it was, and by the time she came in carrying the glass of water, I looked like nothing had happened.
"Honey, did you have fun tonight?"
She pressed herself against me, clinging.
But now, every time I looked at her, the images from those videos flashed through my mind. My stomach turned.
"Won a little money at cards last night. I'm exhausted. Going to sleep." I pushed her away.
That made Beverly angry.
"You! I went and got your water for you!"
"I said I'm going to sleep. Don't bother me."
I shot her a look.
She stormed out and slammed the door behind her.
Around noon, I was jolted awake by someone pounding on the door.
I opened it. Beverly stood in the doorway, and right beside her was that acid-tongued mother of hers.
"Thaddeus Dickerson! You think you're a big man now, is that it? Gambling all night, not coming home, making Beverly cry?"
Mrs. Fox jabbed a finger at my face, spittle flying with every word.