Page 246 of Taken Away

“My share would’ve covered every penny.”

“But you never asked Mabel.”

Walter closed his eyes briefly.

“No.”

“Why?”

A bitter smile crossed his face.

“Because pride’s an ugly thing.”

Burke thought about Patsy’s words.

He was ashamed to ask.

“They found the shortage during a routine reconciliation?”

Walter nodded.

“Mabel did.”

“What happened?”

He swallowed.

“Her eyes filled.”

Burke frowned.

“Mabel cried?”

Walter shook his head.

“No.”

A sad, almost broken smile touched his mouth.

“That would’ve been easier.”

Burke waited.

“She held it in.”

The office fell silent.

Walter’s voice lowered.

“She said, ‘Walter… after all these years… why didn’t you just ask me?’”

Burke said nothing.

“I’ve never been more ashamed in my life.”

Burke watched him carefully.

“You paid it back?”