AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m okay, buddy. I’m feeling a bit low because of my meeting with Dad — which you don’t want to hear about, and I’ll respect that.”
“It’s okay, Mum. You can talk to me about it if you want.”
She was torn over whether to reveal her concerns to her son. She had no proof of anything, and the last thing she wanted to do was to badmouth Preston to their children.
“I’m concerned Dad isn’t being entirely upfront about our financial situation. But I have no proof of that, just a gut feeling.”
Harry hesitated. “You should make sure, Mum. It’s not right if Dad doesn’t share fairly with you — everything we have as a family, the two of you built together.”
“It’s not that I care, really. I have enough from the sale of the house to start my business on Coral Island, and Dad’s helping me with the cottage. But it’s the principle — I’m sick of the lies. I want us all to be honest with one another. And maybe he is being honest, but I’m going to get to the bottom of it and find out what’s going on. I hope that doesn’t upset you. I promise to be kind and considerate in the way I do it.”
“That’s okay, Mum. The only thing that would upset me is if Dad’s holding back. You’re my mother, and I love you. I don’t want you two to break up, but if you must, I’ll support you in any way I can.”
“Just promise you’ll always be honest and communicate with your future wife.” She sighed. “That would make me very happy.”
“I promise, Mum.”
The next morning, Beatrice swam in the hotel pool, then showered and changed for her breakfast with Harry. She decided to walk to the train station and catch the train to his university campus, since it was only a short distance away.
The sun was out, the rain clouds gone for now. The wind was brisk, and she shoved her hands deep into her coat pockets and hunched down low into the magenta scarf wrapped around her neck. Her hair was held in place by a knit cap that matched her scarf. Otherwise, the wind would’ve whipped it into her eyes as it whistled between the tall buildings and along the narrow streets.
The roads were clogged with morning traffic, and people strode quickly in every direction. She almost collided with a bike courier at a set of traffic lights, then hurried down a staircase to the subway and jumped onto the train before it pulled away from the station.
As she was walking to the restaurant, her phone rang.
“This is Frank Perdue, your accountant, Ms Rushton. I’m returning your call.”
“Oh, thank you for calling me back, Frank. I wanted to talk to you about my financial situation. You may have heard that Preston and I have separated and are getting a divorce.”
“I did hear, and I’m sorry for you. I know this is a hard time.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. The reason I’m calling is that I really don’t have any record of any of my finances for the past twenty-five years. Preston always took care of that, and I know I’ll need to have copies of my tax returns and accounts for my records going forward. I’m planning on buying real estate, maybe a car, opening a business… All of these things may require me to provide some evidence of my financial history. Can you help me with that?”
“I certainly can. I’ll be happy to send over everything I have for you.”
“Thanks, I’ll email you my hotel address. If you can send it all by messenger or email before Monday, that would be much appreciated.
“Happy to do it. Is that all?”
She swallowed. “Well, actually — I’m a little confused about how many accounts and investments Preston and I have. He’s given me a list, but I have a feeling there are some things missing.”
The accountant cleared his throat. “Well, unfortunately I can only share with you the things that are in your name. I can’t talk about Preston’s personal accounts and investments.”
“Even as part of the divorce settlement?” Bea asked, her eyes widening.
“I’m afraid so. Mr Pike has advised me to keep his financial affairs private.”
“From his wife?”
“Look, I suggest you talk to him about this. I’m uncomfortable being put in the middle of it. By law, I have to do what my client has asked me to do. And Mr Pike is my client.”
“So am I…”
He was clearly agitated, his voice gruff. “Actually, I’ve never spoken to you before now, Ms Rushton.”
After she hung up the phone, she considered his words. Why hadn’t she ever taken it upon herself to speak directly to the accountant? To find out about her own financial position? She should never have left all of that to Preston.
Even if he was trustworthy, it wasn’t sensible. Anything could’ve happened to him, and she’d have been completely in the dark about their situation and what needed to be done to survive. She’d never put herself in that position again.
