Chapter 2 - The Call at the Checkpoint
Victor reached the barrier before I could start the engine.
Camille followed more slowly, remaining just far enough behind him to appear uninvolved while still watching everything.
I stepped out because I refused to let Victor pound on the window beside our son.
Harris moved between us immediately.
“Sir, you need to remain inside the controlled area.”
Victor ignored him.
“Maggie, what are you doing here?”
The question was so perfectly Victor.
Not What did you see?
Not Is Leo all right?
Why had I appeared in the place where he expected to keep his lives separate?
I glanced toward the SUV.
Leo watched us through the glass, frightened and confused.
“Not in front of my son,” I said.
Victor straightened his uniform as if posture could turn betrayal into misunderstanding.
“This is a professional situation.”
Camille stepped closer.
“Victor said you understood.”
Her tone was smooth and sharp.
As though I were a difficult wife who had violated an arrangement everyone else found reasonable.
Harris shifted awkwardly between us.
Two armed guards near the checkpoint watched without moving.
I looked at Camille.
“Understood what?”
Her smile flickered.
Victor reached toward my arm.
Harris blocked him.
“Sir.”
The warning embarrassed Victor more than the affair.
His face reddened.
“Maggie, go home. We’ll discuss this privately.”
Privately.
That was where Victor preferred every truth.
Private dinners funded by my family.
Private recommendations.
Private transfers.
Private favors that became public achievements once he wore the medal.
I knelt beside the open rear door and took Leo’s hand.
He whispered, “Did Dad forget us?”
I nearly broke.
Instead, I pulled out my phone.
Walter was still connected.
Victor recognized the name on the blurred screen.
His anger changed instantly.
“Maggie, don’t.”
Camille’s smile vanished.
I held Leo close and looked directly at my husband.
Then I spoke into the phone.
“Cut off Victor. And every account tied to Camille.”
Walter’s answer was immediate.
“Already moving.”
Victor took one step toward me.
“What exactly did you do?”
I stood.
“For once, Victor, you’re going to find out without me explaining it for you.”
An unmarked dark sedan appeared beyond the checkpoint and slowed near the administration building.
Camille turned toward it.
Panic flashed across her face before she controlled it.
Harris lowered his eyes.
He knew something had started.
I lifted Leo into my arms and walked back to the SUV.
May you like
Victor called after me again.
This time, our son did not turn around either.
