He owed back taxes and he routinely forged inspection certificates. He had four ex-wives, a gambling addiction, and was currently sleeping with two other women besides Amber. He's one bad month away from losing everything, Ray told me. And his oldest daughter's lavish wedding is next month. Curtis is supposed to walk her down the aisle.
The perfect opportunity to drop the hammer came at my daughter's high school talent show. I was standing in the lobby during intermission when I saw Amber and Curtis near the refreshment table. Amber was wearing an expensive new dress she couldn't afford and Curtis had his hand on her waist. A small crowd of parents gathered around us sensing the drama. This is inappropriate, Nick.
Amber hissed. This is Tess's night. You're right. I said loudly enough for everyone to hear. This is Tess's night.
So maybe you should explain why you missed her last three events because you were too busy screwing your boyfriend. The lobby went dead silent. Curtis stepped forward. You don't know what you're talking about. Really?
I pulled out my phone displaying Ray's financial and surveillance records. Let's talk about how Curtis has been lying to you about being separated. Let's talk about the two other women he's seeing right now while he sleeps with you. Should I share the receipts with everyone? Curtis's face turned white.
He grabbed Amber's arm and mumbled, We're leaving. Good idea. I called after them. Give my regards to Mrs. Brennan.
The real Mrs. Brennan. After the show, Tess found me by my truck. Her voice was quiet. Why did you do that?
Because they needed to hear the truth, I said. Tess stared at the ground for a long moment. Curtis has been lying to Mom about a lot of things. Can I come home? I felt the tight knot in my chest finally loosen.
Of course you can. It's your home. She got into the truck, and we drove back to our house together. Sitting