Chapter 5 - The Account Margaret Feared
Julia drove back to the farmhouse without telling Owen. Waiting for agencies to open felt like surrender. She left Lily at the motel and promised to return within an hour. Margaret met her on the porch in Nate's wool coat. "You made your point. Bring Lily home, and we can forget the performance." Julia asked for the garage. Margaret stepped sideways. "Frank stores chemicals there." The answer sounded practiced. Julia said she would call animal-control from the driveway and wait. Margaret softened. "You can't afford that motel. Your leave is unpaid. Lily's insurance renews next month." She knew every weak place because Julia had handed her the paperwork. Julia offered a bargain: no public accusation if Sadie came back and Margaret surrendered control of Lily's benefit account. For the first time, Margaret looked frightened, not cruel. "That money keeps this family standing." Movement scraped behind the garage wall. Three slow taps followed. And then, Frank said, "Don't answer me, girl."
