Page 99 of Forgotten Deeds

“Lily,” he chastises. “You should have reported it.”

“So the cops could do what?” I shrug. “Isn’t it something like ninety percent of property crimes go unsolved?”

“Yes, but maybe this could have been one of the ten percent that does get solved,” he points out. Exactly, and that’s why I didn’t report it. Doing so would only have raised too many questions about the missing safe.

Our coffees are brought over, and I take a sip, trying not to choke—it tastes like diesel fuel. “Look, this whole thing is really triggering for me.” I change the subject, pouring another packet of sugar into my coffee and giving it a stir. “Harrison didn’t give a shit about me or his daughter, and if he did write the will, it just demonstrates that fact. He knew damn well Iris was his child.” Harrison took my virginity, for Chrissake.

“I don’t believe he wrote it,” Ethan presses.

“Then if his father forged it, I’m dealing with bullshit from a Thomas Harrison either way,” I point out, rubbing my temples.

“Harrison was a great friend to me, but he did you and Iris dirty. There’s no argument otherwise,” he says. “If I’m ever as lucky to have what he did, no way would I act that like.”

“Thanks, Ethan. Are you still seeing that EMT?”

“Nah, we ended things a while back. It’s tough to find a woman who wants more than just the badge,” he tells me, sipping his coffee.

“Funny, Harrison never found that to be a problem,” I muse.

“Yeah, well, I’m not Harrison,” he says.

“I know you’re not,” I tell him. “You’re a good guy, Ethan.”

“Thanks. Now, with that thought in mind, let’s talk about this husband of yours. And no blowing me off this time.” He points at me.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” I say, my hackles raising.

“Of course there is,” he says incredulously. “Lily, you’re in over your head. How can you not see that?”

Ethan has no clue how ‘in over my head’ I really am. “Look, I appreciate the concern. But I’m married to Darius, and that’s it.”

“I can help you get out, all you have to do is say the word,” he leans forward, telling me quietly.

This poor, naive man. All he’d accomplish would be getting himself killed. Besides, even if I could get out, I’m not so sure I want out. “This is the last time we’re going to discuss the topic of my marriage,” I tell him firmly. “Darius is my husband. He runs a gym, and anything else is just noise I don’t pay attention to.”

“You need to fucking be paying attention!” he says, slamming his fist down, causing the coffee cups to rattle.

“If you’re this invested in my life, then why didn’t Harrison’s cheating get you more riled up?” I say hotly. “Unless you knew the entire time and were covering for your partner.”

He rubs the back of his neck with his hand. “Lily, I swear I didn’t cover for him. Sure, I heard rumors, but who was I to get involved?”

“Who are you to get involved now?” I throw some bills down for my coffee and march out.

“Lily, wait,” he says, chasing after me. “I’m sorry if I overstepped.”

“Look, we’re at an impasse here,” I say bluntly.

He pauses, choosing his words carefully. “Maybe I am invested now because I feel guilty for not getting involved before, but I won’t make that mistake again. Let me help you.”

“That’s the thing, Ethan. I don’t need help,” I tell him, crossing my arms.

“Alright,” he says, holding up his hands in surrender. “Oh, I forgot the paperwork for Iris’ benefits. Next time.”

“Sure,” I say dismissively, marching to my SUV.

Guilt gnaws at me as I unlock the door and slip behind the wheel. I shouldn’t have come down so hard on Ethan; it’s not his fault Harrison was a shit father and boyfriend.

Checking my phone, there’s no new messages. I don’t know where Darius is today or what he’s doing. Not my concern, I remind myself as I pull out of the parking lot.

---