She was told to keep silent by my mother.
As if she had never seen her before, Linda gazed at her. “You’re taking her side?”
My mother’s voice broke. “I’m taking Mom’s side.”
Linda’s mouth parted, then shut again.
I carefully and slowly read the instruction. “You will read both letters aloud at Sunday supper within the next 24 hours. Everything. To put an end to the lies that have robbed this family of their tranquility, not to embarrass her. ”You’re not understanding!”
Linda poked me with a finger. “Are you planning on doing this? Are you planning to try me?
“You don’t understand!” yelled Linda. ”We comprehend,” Ray remarked. “We’ve just been quiet.”
I completed the final section. “Go to the bank with the funeral account. Linda has no access, so put it under your mother’s name with two signatures needed—yours and hers.”
I displayed the letter.
Linda swung the paper at her. Ray didn’t touch her, only blocked her.
Linda got tears in her eyes. Her tone softened. “Honey, Kate. Let’s have a private conversation.” ”No,” I replied.
Linda gave me a direct glance. Please. Avoid doing this. You’ll destroy the family.”
I displayed the letter. “Grandma wrote this because you’ve been tearing it apart for years. ”I will not be attending.
Linda’s expression tensed. “You think you’re so perfect. ”Grandma deserved better, in my opinion,” I added. “And so did we.”
Linda glanced back at my mother as if anticipating the previous rescue.
My mother remained still.
Linda reached for her handbag. “All right. Enjoy your small meal. Go through your correspondence. I will not be attending. ”You can attend and listen to it.
I got up. “Yes, you are.” ”Pardon me?” ”I’ll read it without you, and your version won’t exist,” I continued, “or you can come and hear it.”
Her mouth quivered. “You wouldn’t.” ”I will,” I said. “And I won’t soften a word. ”For Linda, she sold the diamond.
It was that. Her eyes flashed with fear. nor guilt-related terror. Fear of being noticed.
