Chapter 2 - The Hotel Charge Changes Everything
Margaret stopped scrolling.
HARBOR HOUSE HOTEL — $1,486.20.
The charge was dated September 17.
Dean closed his eyes.
Margaret remembered that date because she had spent September 17 in the hospital.
A minor heart procedure.
Dean had sat beside her most of the day.
Priscilla had brought flowers that evening.
Margaret looked up.
“What happened at Harbor House?”
Priscilla reached for her handbag.
Dean stepped between her and the door.
“Don’t leave.”
Margaret turned on him.
“You knew.”
Dean did not deny it.
“I knew about that charge.”
“How?”
“Because I saw the receipt.”
The hotel reservation was in Priscilla’s name.
Margaret’s blue Visa had paid for the room.
But Priscilla had not stayed there.
Dean had followed her after finding the receipt in their car.
The room was being used by someone else.
A man named Michael Trent.
Margaret stared.
“Who is Michael?”
Dean looked at Priscilla.
“My brother.”
Margaret blinked.
May you like
Dean was an only child.
At least, that was what she had believed for thirty-eight years.
