The envelope was addressed to Derek.
Inside were copies of the statements I had found in Marlene’s purse, along with a note explaining that the originals were available whenever he wanted to compare them himself.
Marlene was not a struggling widow.
She had more than $740,000 spread across investment and retirement accounts, plus rental income from a condominium she had never mentioned. Yet for nearly two years, she had told Derek she could barely afford groceries, insurance, or transportation.
The luxury car had not been a generous surprise.
It was the latest result of a carefully maintained lie.
Bridget called before I reached home.
She demanded to know why I had invaded her mother’s privacy. I reminded her that Marlene had deliberately left the purse in my kitchen, then asked the question neither woman wanted answered.
“How much money has Derek given her?”
By noon, he had checked his records.
Mortgage assistance. Medical bills. Vacations described as emergencies. Monthly transfers. The car.
More than $93,000 altogether.
Marlene claimed she had been saving her own money for “future security.” Derek finally understood that she had protected her wealth by spending his.
He returned the luxury car within the dealer’s cancellation window and ended every transfer.
Then he called to apologize.
I placed the pink piggy bank on my shelf.
Four dollars had been enough to show me what my son thought I deserved.
One forgotten purse showed him who had actually been using him.
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