At the bank she learned her authorization had been revoked. At work she was placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
Weeks later investigators visited the house to question her while Linda stayed in a modest motel preparing to relocate to North Carolina where an old college friend offered a room. Linda decided not to press criminal charges, but she allowed the board and the court to proceed.
On the day the house sold, Megan watched from across the street as her mother spoke with her lawyer. “I was trying to protect you,” Megan said when she finally approached.
“And I was trying to survive you,” Linda replied calmly.
Linda entered the car and left town with her new prepaid phone beside her, knowing that for the first time in years every decision ahead would belong solely to her.
