Page 37 of Two Wrongs

“It’s a bit different now,” I grumble.

She crosses the sidewalk to stand in front of me. “What’s up?”

I cross one foot over my ankle. “Couldn’t I just have wanted to see you?”

One eyebrow curves up, and she purses her lips, but otherwise says nothing.

“Alright, I need you to go to the bank and get access to your bank accounts,” I tell her.

She crosses her arms. “Why?”

I exhale a puff of air. “Because I found out today that the health insurance I got to cover the shop’s employees won’t cover Liam’s rehab. It’s going to be at least fifteen thousand dollars. I’d take out a loan to cover the costs, but—“

She nods her head over and over. “Let me guess, because he cheated some of the customers you’re in the hole, because of course you’re replacing parts and refunding the customers.”

“How did you know?” I was under the belief Wren thought I was pretty much the devil.

“Because, while you may be really grouchy, pretty much all the time, you’re a good man,” she says softly.

I fight the urge to grab her, and pin my hands under my arm pits. “You still believe that?”

She nods. “Despite what Liam did, your first instinct was to take all the burden on to yourself. I’m not sure he deserves you as a father, but I am glad he has you.”

I look away. “I’m not sure about that. A good father doesn’t fuck his son’s wife.”

“Why are we going to the bank?” she asks, and I know she’s going to do it no matter my explanation. I’m not sure I’ve earned this level of loyalty, but I’m determined not to betray it.

“I’m hoping he’s got some of the money he took from the shop. It’s a long shot, but I’m not sure what else to do.”

She takes a deep breath. “I do. Let’s go and check the accounts, because I want to know what’s in them too, but if there’s nothing, there’s still one thing we can do.”

I stand straighter, a kernel of hope blooming in my chest.

Her head drops down. “My parents had a life insurance policy. It doesn’t make sense to me now, but last year, Liam convinced me to use it to buy him the Mustang. I insisted the car be put in my name if we were using my money.”

“He took your savings to buy himself a car, and you aren’t even allowed access to your own money?” I ask. I’m aware my voice has dropped to a growl.

Her green eyes turn glassy, and she looks away from me. “You don’t have to point out how stupid I’ve been. Believe me, I know. I keep getting the feeling there’s going to be a lot more before I know the full extent of how much Liam betrayed me.”

I can’t resist anymore. I take one step and wrap my arms around her, tucking her against my chest. “I promise you that I’ll make this right. As much as I can, you will not live with this forever.”

She shakes her head. “I appreciate that you want to fix this, but some things once broken can never be put back together.”

“When do you have to be back?” I ask, knowing she’s still got work today.

“I actually have the rest of the day off. Carl had a family thing come up, and will be out of the office for the rest of the day. He thinks it’s dangerous for me to be here alone since people know he takes cash payments.”

“He’s right. Okay, let’s go to the bank, and then I’ll get you lunch.”

15

Wren

Harriston Savings and Loan is the only bank in town, but even in a town as small as this one, most people do their banking online. In order to stay in business, they are one of the few businesses in town that has stayed current with technology. They have an app for smart phones, and the ability to deposit cash at the ATM.

I’d love not to have to face a person and admit my husband wouldn’t let me have access to our accounts, but that’s one thing the internet services can’t help me with. Instead I stand in line, with Griffin, in a bank I’d recently opened my own account in only a couple weeks ago. If the town isn’t already talking about me, they would be by the end of the day. Arlene, the bank teller, is almost as bad of a gossip as the pharmacist.

There’s a couple people in line ahead of me, and my anxiety increases the closer I get to her window. When it’s my turn, I’m digging my nails into the flesh of my palm to keep from hyperventilating.

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