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folders, opened file cabinet drawers, and began to fill
a briefcase.
I sat on the leather settee watching him, and I
felt terrible. I felt as though I were betraying him by
not telling him what I knew about Momma and Tony. I felt split in half. If I smiled at Momma or felt
good with her, I couldn't help feeling guilty, feeling
that I was hurting Daddy; and the same was true if I
smiled at him and felt good with him. Momma would
hate me. She would certainly hate me if I told him any
of her secrets. What was Ito do?
Daddy saw the troubled look on my face. "Now, now," he said. "You must not do this to
yourself. I told you, once we're through the storm, it
will be clear sailing again. Button up against the wind.
Be hearty. You've been around sailors and seamen too
long to be anything else."
"I'll try, Daddy."
"That's my girl. Well," he said looking about, "I
guess I have what I need for now." He closed his briefcase. My heart began to pound. I didn't think I had the strength in my legs to stand up. He started around his desk and then stopped abruptly, the expression on his face changing quickly from a soft, loving one, to a look of firmness, even anger. I spun
around. Momma was standing in the doorway. "Hello, Cleave," she said.
"I've just come by to get some of my papers." "I'm glad you did," she said. "There are some
matters to discuss. I was going to leave them for later,
but perhaps this is as good a time as ever."
"Yes," he said.
"Leigh, would you excuse us for a while,
please," Momma said and then smiled coldly. I looked
at Daddy. He nodded and suddenly my legs that had
felt like two overcooked pieces of spaghetti found
their firmness again and I got up and rushed out of the
office. I turned back to see Momma close the door. I wanted to go back and put my ear to it, but I
was afraid they would find me there.
