Betrayal - Fern Michaels [76]
His only hope was receiving a substantial amount from the civil suit they’d filed. Though it had been several months, they had yet to receive any word about the status of their case. Debbie was supposed to take care of that, too. Obviously it was too much to ask. He made a mental note to call their attorney Monday.
Thinking of the civil suit, he thought of Alex. Old son of a bitch. How could he have stooped so low? While Don would admit Sara was a handful, now more then ever, she could never have made up the stories of all the abuse she suffered at the hands of his best friend. She was supposed to be in counseling, but when Don questioned Debbie about it the other day, she told him that Sara was fine. He didn’t think so, but she was a woman. She knew about things like this. If she said Sara was okay, then he would assume she was. There was a part of him that had wanted to believe in Alex’s innocence. But he couldn’t. Never in a million years would a child of his construct a tale so filthy. Sara loved going to Alex and Kate’s. She would never have jeopardized her relationship with them. The last trip had been the straw that broke the camel’s back, according to Debbie. Sara was so frightened of Alex and what he was doing to her, she’d had anxiety attacks. For once Debbie did what he would have done. She’d sat Sara down and practically forced her to tell her what was bothering her. When Sara started talking about sexual abuse, Debbie said, she was flabbergasted. The two of them talked for days before Debbie let Don in on the topic of their conversations. When she did, he’d had no choice but to call Alex. From there, they’d let the authorities take over. Alex would remain in prison for at least the next twenty years. He deserved to die in jail for all that he’d put Sara through. The civil suit had been the icing on the cake as far as he was concerned. Alex had millions. There could not have been a more perfect time to get his hands on some of that cold hard cash.
The engineering firm he’d worked for was about to file Chapter Eleven. Too many good deals gone bad. He would open his own company as soon as he got his money from the civil suit. All he had to do was hang in there a while longer.
With his finances temporarily settled for the moment, Don had promised the guys from the country club he’d meet them for an afternoon round of golf. Debbie would have to see to it that the girls had something for dinner. For weeks now he’d brought home takeout, chicken from Publix or some crap from Taco Bell. He’d take the girls out for pizza once in a while when they got tired of eating the food he brought home.
What I wouldn’t give for a home-cooked meal. Kate can cook like no one else. I would give a hundred bucks for a slice of her pot roast. Screw it, I’ll eat at the club. Again.
“Where are you going?” Debbie peeked inside the den.
“To the club. I told the guys I’d play some golf with them.”
“Don’t you ever stay home on weekends?” Debbie nagged.
“No, not when you’re here.”
“You’re a real prick, you know that?”
“I’ve been called worse.”
“Deservedly so. The girls want to go to the movies tonight. I can’t take them. I’ve got a house to show.”
“The girls can go to the movies without me tagging along.”
“No way, Jose. I need you to drive them. Emily only has her learner’s permit.”
“Sorry. No can do.” Don delighted in pissing her off. Their marriage was a sham. When Sara reached eighteen, he was out. No questions. He wouldn’t spend another minute listening to his wife moan and groan. He’d move to another country to get away from her. Just five more years, and I’ll be on my merry way. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought.
“What’s so funny? If I remember correctly, you are the girls’ father. You’re as responsible for their care as