Naomi handed her a document.
“We’re retrieving Ms. Monroe’s personal property.”
Lorraine stared at me.
“You brought a lawyer into my home?”
“Yes.”
“You little thief.”
The mover paused beside the television.
Naomi calmly said, “That television was purchased on April third using Ms. Monroe’s account. The serial number is attached to the inventory. Would you like to review it?”
Lorraine’s mouth closed.
Owen appeared at the top of the stairs.
His face looked exhausted.
“Cass.”
I ignored him.
He hurried down.
“Can we talk privately?”
“No.”
“Please.”
“Anything you need to say can be said in front of my attorney.”
His eyes shifted toward Naomi.
Then toward the movers.
“What the hell is this?”
“My property.”
“You gave that stuff to us.”
“No. I furnished rooms I expected to use while visiting my husband’s family. Since there is no longer going to be a marriage, I’m removing what belongs to me.”
Raymond appeared from the kitchen.
He looked at the empty wall where the television had been.
“Who does she think she is?”
Lorraine snapped, “Apparently someone who enjoys humiliating decent people.”
Naomi opened another folder.
“Owen, you were served electronically at 8:04 this morning. A physical copy of the divorce petition is here.”
Owen went pale.
“You filed already?”
“Yes.”
“We’ve been married less than twenty-four hours.”
“And you managed to hit me in less than six.”
Raymond looked sharply at his son.
Lorraine jumped in.
“She’s twisting everything.”
I turned to Raymond.
“Your wife watched your son strike me and encouraged him.”
Raymond said nothing.
That silence told me everything I needed to know about him too.
Owen lowered his voice.
“Cass, you’re going to regret acting this impulsively.”
“I’m remarkably comfortable with my decision.”
“You’re going to end up with nothing.”
I almost smiled.
He still had no idea.
Then his phone rang.
