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Her head whipped around and she looked at me in disbelief. "You were spying on us?"
"That's what I'm paid for. You don't want to be seen, you shouldn't do it in public."
"What a bitch!"
"Reba, your father cares about your welfare. He doesn't want you to end up in the shit again."
She clutched my arm, looking at me earnestly. "Don't tell Pop. Please. What purpose would it serve?"
"I haven't decided what I'm going to do. It might help if you told me what's going on."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Oh, give it a whirl. You want me to keep quiet, you better fill me in." I could see how tempted she was. Who can resist talking about a guy that you're so smitten with?
"I'm not sure how to explain. I worked for him for years and he's always been supportive…"
"Not the long version, dearie, just the salient points. You're having an affair, right?"
"It's much more than that. I'm crazy about him and he's crazy about me, too."
"The crazy part I'll buy. Since when?"
"Two years. Well, four if you count the two I was gone. We've been writing back and forth and talking on the phone. We pla
"What'd you need me for? You're big boys and girls. Why not go to a motel and get it over with?"
"I was scared. We haven't been together for so long, I was afraid the chemistry might be gone."
"I don't get it. What's the timing on this? Were you bonking the guy while you were ripping him off?"
"It isn't 'bonking.' We make love."
"Oh, sorry. Were you 'making love' while you were making off with all his hard-earned cash?"
"I guess you could put it that way. I mean, I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't help myself. I felt awful. I still do. He knows I'd never do anything to hurt him."
"Losing that much money didn't hurt? I'd be cut to the quick."
"It wasn't personal. I took money from the company -"
"Which he owns."
"I know, but I didn't look at it that way. It was just there and nobody seemed to notice. I kept thinking I'd score big and then I'd put it all back. I never meant to keep it and I certainly wouldn't steal."
"Reba, that's what stealing is. You pocket someone else's money without their knowledge or consent. If you use a gun, it's called robbery. Either way, it's not behavior that's designed to endear."
She shrugged uncomfortably. "I saw it as a loan. It was just a temporary thing."
"The guy must have a big heart."
"He does. He tried to help me. He did everything he could. I know he's forgiven me. He said it all again last night."
"Hey, I'll take your word for it, but it's weird. I mean, it's one thing to forgive, but then to go on with the affair? How does he rationalize that? Doesn't he feel used?"
"He understands I have a self-destructive streak. That doesn't mean he condones it, but he doesn't hold it against me."
"Is that why you never went to trial? Because of him?"
"Partly. When I got arrested, I knew I'd hit bottom. I was guilty as shit. I just wanted to take my licks and get it over with. A trial would've been an embarrassment for Pop. I didn't want him to suffer another public spectacle. I've caused enough trouble as it is."
"Your father tells me Beck's married. Doesn't his wife figure into the equation somewhere?"
"That's a marriage of convenience. They haven't been intimate for years."
"Oh, come on. Every married guy says that."
"I know, but in his case, it's true."
"What a crock of shit. You think he'll leave her for you? It doesn't work that way."
"Wrong. You are so wrong," she said. "He has it all set up."
"Like what?"
"This is all part of his game plan, but he has to bide his time. If she finds out about me, she'll take him for everything."
"I know I would."
"He told me last night he's close to pulling it off."
"Pulling what off?"
I got the double whammy – the big imploring eyes, plus the arm clutch denoting her earnest intent. "Promise you won't tell."
"I can't promise you that! What if he's pla
"Don't be dumb. He's getting his finances in shape. Once he has his assets under wraps, he'll broach the subject of divorce. By then, it'll be a done deal and what's she going to do? She'll just have to face facts and accept reality."
"Would you listen to yourself? You're telling me he's worked out a way to cheat his wife. What kind of man is he? First he runs around on her and then he rips her off? Oh wait. Skip that. Just occurred to me that you ripped him off first so maybe you're the perfect pair."
"You don't even know what love is. I bet you've never been in love in your life."
"Don't change the subject."
"Well, it's true, isn't it?"
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head in despair. "You are such a nincompoop."
"So what? It's not hurting anyone."
"Oh, right. What about his wife?"
"She'll come around eventually, once it's out in the open."
"Are there any kids?"
"She never wanted kids."
"That's a blessing at any rate. Look, babe. I know where you're coming from. I was once involved with a married man myself. At the time they were separated, but they were married all the same. And you know what I learned? You have no idea what goes on between a husband and wife. I don't care how he represents the relationship, you shouldn't tread on sacred turf. It's the same as walking on hot coals. Doesn't matter how much faith you have, your feet are going to burn."
"Tough. It's too late. It's like playing craps. Once the dice leave your hand, you can't do anything but watch."
"At least break it off until he's free," I said.
"I can't. I love him. He's everything to me."
"Oh shit, Reba. Go see a shrink and get your head on straight."
I watched her face shut down. She turned abruptly and started walking away, addressing her comments to me over her shoulder as the gap between us widened. "You don't have a clue what you're talking about. You only met the man once so you can keep your friggin' opinions to yourself. It's none of your business and it's none of Pop's." She walked on, heading toward the parking lot. I was left with no choice but to trot along behind.
We barely spoke during the drive to her father's house. By the time I dropped her off, I figured that was the end of the line for me. She was out of prison. She was home. She had her driver's license back and a closet full of clothes. Nothing she'd done – namely, screwing – was in violation of her parole so her actions and behavior were no concern of mine.
She got out of the car and retrieved her packages from the backseat. "I know you mean well and I appreciate your concern, but I've paid for my sins and now my life belongs to me. If I make bad choices, it's my tough luck. It has nothing to do with you."
"Okay by me. Have a good life," I said.
She closed the car door. She paused and leaned in the window briefly. I thought she meant to say more, but she decided to let it ride. I watched her until the front door closed behind her and then I headed for the office. Once there, I typed up an invoice, billing Nord Lafferty the five hundred dollars a day for the two days I'd worked. I put the bill in an envelope, which I sealed and addressed. On the way home, I drove past the post office, where I slowed to a stop and dropped it in the box at the curb.