Five Years a Fool, A Lifetime Apart novel · Chapter 10 of 24

Chapter 10: Two Million

Lorna took me to the hospital chapel, because it was the only room on the floor with a door that closed.

Three rows of empty pews faced a window of colored glass.

She sat in the front row and laid her bag beside her.

"Sit, Caleb."

I stayed standing.

"You have had a shock. I understand that. So let me be direct, because you are an intelligent man."

She opened her bag and took out a fresh folder.

"Two million dollars. The condo, free and clear, and a cash settlement the day the baby is born. In return you sign a statement and a confidentiality agreement."

"Confidentiality about what?"

"About my daughter's private affairs."

"About the baby that isn't mine."

"About everything."

She slid the folder along the pew toward me.

I looked at it without touching it.

"You raised her to do this," I said.

"I raised her to protect this family. I'm sorry that you were in the way."

She said it kindly.

That was what I couldn't forgive.

"Lorna, how many years have you known about Jasper?"

"Since the day he was born."

"And you sat at my table on Thanksgiving."

"I always thought you were a good boy."

"And Margo's letter?"

"I would do it again."

I took my phone from my pocket and pressed play.

Camille's voice came out of the speaker, low and sure.

His name goes on the certificate, and Mother's lawyer does the rest.

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