Linda’s gaze darted to me and back to the page as if she could scorch it.I didn’t want Kate to be held accountable for being honest.
Her voice was thin as she began. “Linda… if you are holding this, it means you did exactly what I knew you would do.”
No one took a breath.
Linda took a swallow. “In hospice, I witnessed you taking my ring. I didn’t decide to stop you. I didn’t want a quarrel by my bed. However, I also didn’t want Kate to be held accountable for being honest.
My stomach turned over when I heard my name. You’re not serious.”
Panicked, Linda read more quickly. “I sold the real diamond 10 years ago.”
Naturally, this created a fuss. Prior to the letter, nobody was aware of this.
I took out the receipt by reaching into the package. Pawn shop. Date. Amount.
Ray’s expression hardened. “You’re kidding. ”You took something from her as she was dying.
Linda’s voice cracked as she continued. “Your rehab was funded by me. You said I was crying. You said you were prepared to adapt.
In a whisper, my mother said, “She sold her diamond for you.”
“I didn’t ask her to!” yelled Linda. ”You did,” I said.
Linda spun around. “Shut up.”
Linda’s mouth quivered. ”No,” I replied. “You stole from her while she was dying.”
Linda’s gaze flickered. “It was mine anyway!”
My mother’s voice was as sharp as a razor. “Stop saying that.”
Linda’s mouth shook. There was no backup when she looked around.
Ray gestured to the pocket of Linda’s cardigan. “So the ring—”I didn’t want it to be stolen.
Linda slapped it on the coffee table after yanking it out. “There! Happy? Take it!”
The light fell on the stone. Too intelligent. Too tidy. False.
My mother gazed as though she was having trouble focusing.
Ray chuckled sharply. “You had it in your pocket at the funeral.”
