I placed two envelopes on the table between the salt and the bread basket.
« A demand letter. »
« Open them, » I said.
Rose tore hers first. Her face drained as she read the itemized list: every broken lamp, every stained cushion, the champagne on the ceiling, the deck repairs. Marcus’s invoices attached.
« What the hell is this? »
« A demand letter, » I said. « Pay by the thirtieth or I file in small claims. Every item is documented with photos. »
« You said she wouldn’t find out! »
Daniel opened his more slowly. His hand actually shook.
« Claire. Wait. Just wait. »
« Divorce papers, » I told him. « Already filed this morning. The kids are at your parents’ tonight because I didn’t want them here for this. »
Rose turned on him instantly.
« You said she wouldn’t find out! You said. »
« Shut up, Rose. »
« Rose misunderstood. »
« No, » I said quietly. « Let her talk. I already know. The keys. The timing. The promise of the house once I gave up on it. »
