“I’m almost done!” I then called out extra loudly.
“The burgers are getting cold, darling.”
“I’m hurrying…Dad.”
God, please don’t let him suspect anything!
To make it look like I was truly getting better, I slipped into a dress for the first time in a long time; a pink silk dress with a boat neck and ruffles along the knee-length hem. Dad had bought it in Milan and loved the way it looked on me. Without looking in the mirror, I brushed rouge on my face, combed my hair, and put on a pair of ballet flats.Done!
With my heart pounding, I glanced at my bed. I really wanted to look at that copy, but I could always do that later. Besides, if what I found there confused me completely, I couldn’t afford that.
As I descended the stairs, my mind was buzzing like a badly tuned radio station.
STR analysis. DNA sample from the mother. An impressive illusion of reality.
I felt sick. I probably couldn’t eat a bite of Danny’s Burger. Suddenly, I also felt my bare thighs and the cool air between my legs. I suddenly felt like I was back in Isaac’s dark green t-shirt. For a few seconds, I felt dizzy, but I told myself that I couldn’t allow myself to have a panic attack now. I took a few deep breaths and concentrated on the deception I had to pull off. Deceive Dad, and then get out of here with the evidence as quickly as possible. Or wait out the week until the staff returns and then get out of here.
“You look pretty,” Dad said as I entered the dining room, but a barely perceptible shadow covered his features.
Had he noticed something? No, he was staring at my upper arms. The dress didn’t cover all my scars. I hadn’t thought of that in the rush.
A dark feeling descended upon me, but I still forced myself to smile. “Thank you.”
STR analysis. DNA sample from the mother, my mind continued pounding.
Dad studied me as if he could read the thoughts behind my forehead, and he was still looking at me when I sat.
You’ve kept so much from me! Nathan’s heart, Grandma’s letters. The letter from the art gallery.
I wanted to scream, but I suppressed the urge.
It was quiet during the meal. Contrary to my old habits, I ate with my fingers, which earned me sidelong glances from Dad, but I ignored them. And even though the fishy smell of the beluga disgusted me, I told myself to keep eating and swallow my disgust. I didn’t know what disgusted me so much. Maybe it was everything I’d learned today.
I heard Dad chewing and knew I had to say something so he wouldn’t get suspicious. I just didn’t know what.Hey, I found Grandma’s letters today!
As the silence crackled in my ears like danger, I brought up the most obvious topic that came to mind. “Have you found someone to blame yet? I mean in regards to the doctored reports.”
Dad was cutting up a piece of his burger neatly with a fork and knife and gave me a quick glance. “That will take a while.”
“Have you shut down the oil company yet?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
He paused, his fork mid-air. “No company that size is shut down just like that. Besides, I also have to speak to the head of the Foreign Trade Association of Mineral, Oil, and Energy. Perhaps a clean solution can be found for our company.”
“A clean solution?” I repeated, stunned.
Dad’s eyes narrowed. His deep breath seemed impatient. “America needs Canada’s oil, Willa Rae. We may just have to adjust a few production steps. It works for other companies too. And as for your question about who was responsible, there were several parties involved. Since they’re all blaming each other, it’s hard to state anything specific at this point.”
“Ah. Okay.” I watched him eat and wondered why he seemed so disgruntled. Maybe the safe security system had sounded an alarm and informed him.
I set the burger down. “Dad?”
“Yes, love?” He was smiling now, but it looked strained.
Something wasn’t right. “What’s wrong?” My voice sounded thin. I hated feeling so helpless.
