Page 76 of Loyal
“What’s the problem?”
“I shouldn’t tell you this, but the report came from your ex-husband. At first I was worried about what he said, but after speaking to Farrah, my concerns have shifted. I believe she’s being coerced.”
“Wait, what?” I ask, shaking my head in confusion.
“Farrah repeated back almost verbatim what your ex-husband’s report said. Honestly, in the five years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never seen anything like it. I tried pushing to get her to go off script, but she would just freeze and tell me she didn’t know. Then circle back to what I believe she was coached to say.”
I shut my eyes and laugh. “I’m sorry, this isn’t funny at all, but it feels unreal. Like a sick joke.”
“I’m sorry.”
I shake my head. “You didn’t do anything wrong, and I’m not mad at you for being the bearer of bad news.”
She smiles. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“What does this mean for the investigation?” I ask, trying to get back on topic.
“As far as I’m concerned, the case should be closed. Her statements are concerning and should be looked into, but not because of you. Because of your ex. I am going to go back and talk with my boss to see if there is anything we can do about your ex.”
“Thank you,” I say, truly meaning it.
“Anytime. I’ll be in touch.”
I watch as she gets in her car, and once she’s pulled away, I head inside. I jerk to a stop when I see Farrah.
“I figured you would want to talk,” Farrah mutters.
“Yeah, actually I do.”
Wordlessly we both head into the living room and sit down on the couch, as far away from each other as possible.
“Farrah, you realize how out of hand this has gotten, right? Your dad filed a false claim against me to CPS,” I say slowly.
“We have our rights to be concerned. Your house is becoming questionable…” she mutters.
I shake my head slowly. “That’s not true, and we both know it.”
“I don’t know what you want me to say, Mom. Sorry you are finally realizing the consequences of your own actions?” she says, tossing her hands up.
“I’m sorry, but divorcing your dad shouldn’t have consequences like this. My family cutting me off because they don’t accept divorce? You being angry with me? Your dad making my life hell? I knew all of that before I even filed. I accepted it, but this, filing false reports and the harassment, is going too far.”
Farrah shifts in her seat uncomfortably. Almost as if she’s finally realizing what’s going on. Really going on.
“Farrah, what do you want me to do? This needs to stop.” I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“You and Dad can stop putting me in the middle of things,” she says.
I bite the tip of my tongue until I taste copper.
I want to scream that it’s not me putting her in the middle but her fucking dad, but I don’t.
“What else? It’s clear you have something in mind.”
“You need to break up with your boyfriend. Maybe then Dad will back off some. If you aren’t dating anyone.” She shrugs, making my heart sink.
Is she right? If I break up with Loyal will Billy back off some? He’s been a dick about the divorce from the start, but maybe if I’m not with anyone, he won’t have a reason to be jealous.
He was easier to deal with before he knew about Loyal…
