Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23: THE ENVELOPE
The ghost tried to visit one last time in December.
Michael was sorting the mail on the kitchen island when he saw it.
A thick, cream-colored envelope. The return address belonged to Diane’s estate lawyer.
Michael didn't hide it. He didn't open it in secret and dispose of it to spare Emma the anxiety. He waited until Oliver was upstairs in the bath, and he placed the envelope on the counter in front of Emma.
"From my mother's attorney," he said.
Emma looked at the heavy paper. "Do you know what it is?"
"I can guess," Michael said. "It's December. It's likely the annual trust fund contribution for Oliver. Or an attempt to set up a new educational account. It’s a hook."
Money had always been Diane’s favorite leash. It was how she maintained access. If you took her money, you owed her your compliance.
"Are you going to open it?" Emma asked.
Michael looked at the envelope.
"If we open it, we have to make a decision about the contents," he said. "If there's a check, we have to decide to cash it or send it back. If there are stipulations, we have to read them."
He looked at Emma. His gaze was steady.
"I don't want her money buying a brick in my son's foundation," Michael said quietly. "We have enough. I can provide for him. We don't need the leash."
Emma felt a profound, grounding wave of relief.
"No," she agreed. "We don't."
Michael picked up a black marker from the drawer.
He didn't open the envelope. He didn't even look at the postmark.
He wrote three words across the front in thick, dark ink: RETURN TO SENDER.
He placed it in the outgoing mail tray.
May you like
He didn't sigh. He didn't pace. He didn't look back at it.
He simply walked upstairs to help Oliver wash the shampoo out of his hair.
