Chapter 6 - The Performance
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I stepped into the living room, letting my face harden into a scowl. "Where is she?" I demanded, my voice loud and harsh.
"She's in her room," Evelyn sighed, rubbing her temples. "She came home thirty minutes late. Probably out with that delinquent boy again. I tried to ask her about the laptop money, and she just ignored me."
I clenched my fists, playing the part. "Maya! Get out here!"
Maya slowly emerged from the hallway leading to the basement stairs. She kept her head down, her shoulders slumped, playing the role of the guilty teenager perfectly.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you," I snapped, feeling a twinge of guilt even though I knew it was an act.
Maya looked up, her eyes wide. "Dad, I—"
"I don't want to hear it," I interrupted loudly. "I send thousands of dollars to this house, Maya! I sent eighteen hundred dollars for a laptop, and your grandmother tells me you wasted it!"
Evelyn stood behind me, nodding approvingly. "She's out of control, Jason. She's ungrateful. After everything I do for her."
"I didn't waste it!" Maya cried out, her voice cracking flawlessly. "I didn't get any money!"
"Don't lie to your father!" Evelyn shrieked, stepping forward. "Jason, she's lying to your face. She spent it on clothes and God knows what else."
I turned to my mother, feigning exhaustion. "Mom, I can't do this right now. My head is pounding from the flight. Make me some coffee, please. I need to sit down."
Evelyn smiled, eager to play the accommodating host. "Of course, dear. I'll make a fresh pot. You just sit and cool down."
She hurried into the kitchen. As soon as she was out of sight, I looked at Maya and gave her a swift, silent thumbs-up. She suppressed a smile.
Now, I just needed to figure out how to get the key from around my mother's neck.
I walked into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as Evelyn prepared the coffee. The lanyard hung heavily against her chest, holding a single brass key.
May you like
"Mom," I said, rubbing my neck. "I brought some cash to cover the extra expenses for the month. It's in my truck. Can you go grab my briefcase from the backseat? My back is killing me."
Evelyn's eyes lit up at the mention of cash. "Of course, Jason. Give me the keys."
