Page 10 of Enforcing the Rules

“I came to see Bethany. How is she?” I held up the box. “I brought her favorite.”

“Come in. She’s watching one of her shows.” She gave me a hug, then pulled back and studied me. “How are you? I haven’t seen you in so long.”

She’d only seen me once, but ever since I’d learned I had a half-sister, I’d tried to stay in touch. We did video calls at least once a month.

“I’m good.”

She led me through the living room to a back family room where a flat screen TV on the wall was on.

Bethany turned. She sat in a wheelchair, and it appeared like she’d deteriorated since I last saw her in person. Her body curved, and her legs looked spindlier than I remembered. But the smile that lit her face when she saw me made the long drive worth it.

I gave her a hug, then opened the box. “These are for you, honey.”

She shook with excitement, and Edina laughed and got some plates.

We sat and chatted for a while. She never mentioned my father, and I got the feeling he wasn’t home.

“So, how are things?”

“All right. I’ve been working from home for a mortgage broker who does refinancing. I make calls to get preliminary information and set up appointments.”

“Do you enjoy it?” It sounded boring to me.

“Not really, but it’s easy work, and I can stay home with Bethany. That’s the most important thing.”

“Of course.” I couldn’t put off asking about Ray any longer. “So, how’s my father doing? Is he here?”

She fiddled with her napkin and wouldn’t meet my eyes.

“Edina? What’s wrong? Is he okay?”

“Things haven’t been so good lately. He lost his job at the accounting firm about six months ago. I haven’t wanted to tell you. I’ve been hoping he’d find something else. Lately, he leaves a lot. Won’t tell me where he’s going, or he outright lies to me. Then he’ll come home rolling in dough and happy as a clam. When the money runs out, he takes off again.”

“Oh, Edina. I’m so sorry.”

“I think he’s gambling.”

“Gambling? Where?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. Probably with a bookie. Maybe he goes to Vegas or Reno. I don’t know where else he’s getting the money.”

“What does he tell you?”

She huffed a laugh. “He says he’s out on the road, working odd jobs, and I should get off his back about it.”

“You two seemed so happy at my graduation. I mean, I know that was years ago, but…”

“We were happy. Everything was fine until he lost his job. No, that’s not true. It had gotten bad six-months before that. He was agitated those last months.”

“Why did he lose his job? I thought he was their best accountant.”

“That’s what he always said. I’m not sure that was ever true. I’d might as well tell you… I think he was doing something shady. I think that’s why he got fired.”

“Oh, wow.” I clasped her hand. “When did you see him last?”

“He came by here yesterday. Gave me some money and left again.”

“Was anything different this time?”

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