When he failed to pay his first subcontracting team, she transferred money from her personal trust.

To her, the law was simply an expensive hurdle that could be cleared with the right amount of influence.

But federal tax evasion was different.

I stood up and walked to the stove to turn off the kettle I had forgotten about.

The metal handle was still warm.

I poured the hot water into a mug with a single herbal tea bag.

The steam rose into my face, carrying the scent of chamomile.

I took a sip, but it tasted like nothing.

My mind was racing back to the years we lived in the city.

I remembered the nights Daniel stayed late at the office, claiming he was auditing the subcontractors.

I remembered Vanessa’s name appearing on the payroll as a consultant long before I knew who she was.

He had been building a wall of lies for years, brick by brick.

And now, the first brick had been pulled out.

I walked down the narrow hallway to the kids’ room.

I pushed the door open a few inches, the hinges creaking softly.