HARMONY

Part 10 "Dad ran away?"

When husbands and wives lie to each other--about lovers, about money, about being lonely--it is like chains on their ankles.   This is the beginning of Michelle and Steve's journey to try to shed those chains... 

"What do you mean he just didn't get into the car?" Michelle said as she paced across her flagstone patio. Above her, Queen Palms swayed slightly in the breeze, keeping time with the spa waterfall.

"Darce went in and they said he's not coming home," Chad answered. "That's all I know."

"So you just left him there?" Michelle loosened her silk neck scarf.

"When's the last time you and Steve had an actual conversation?"

"We talk every day, Chad," she said. "What's your point?"

"Well, things have been really, um, tough at work, ya know. Steve's been stressed out and he's—"

"He's my husband." Her voice strained with annoyance. "Obviously I know he's been stressed, but his not coming home only adds to that."

A few moments of phone silence ended with a slow breath from Chad. "I'm just saying, when he calls, carve out some time to sit down and talk."

"You Dr. Phil all of a sudden?" Michelle checked her Rolex. "I have an open house this afternoon and all day tomorrow and we have the neighborhood BBQ this weekend." She sat on her patio bar stool and looked up into the thatched wicker cover. "How's it going to look if I show up without Steve?"

"I'm not so sure that should be your biggest concern right now," Chad said. "But what the hell do I know? He's probably on his way home and your neighbors won't suspect a thing."

"Are you trying to justify this completely selfish behavior?"

"His or yours?" Chad's word blasted out before he could stop them.

"Oh, and while he's out pretending to be a rock star," Michelle rattled, "I get a call from the police that Claire stole a car."

Chad laughed.

"Funny? It's not. Her arrest could've been in the papers."

"Whose car did she steal?"

"That's not the point. The point is." Michelle drew in a deep breath. "The point is, she did and the police caught her and Steve needs to talk to her and she could have had a criminal record."

"He'll call," Chad said. He hung up.

Michelle stared at her phone. Ring damn phone. Ring. She grabbed her briefcase and paused at the stairs. "I'm leaving, but I'll be back for dinner. Call me if you hear from dad!"

No answer. She started up the stairs when the phone rang. Steve, this better be you! She checked the ID "blocked."

"Hello."

"Hello, Mrs. Kingsly?" A lady's voice asked.

"Speaking," Michelle answered, checking her watch

"Hello, Mrs. Kingsly. This conversation may be recorded for your protection," the voice said. "Are you aware your Wells Fargo account is 60 days past due?"

"60 days?"

"Yes, ma'am. Can we expect a payment from you today?"

Michelle took the phone into Steve's paneled study and began riffling through papers on his desk. "Are you sure you have the right number?"

"Yes, ma'am. Our records indicate we spoke to Mr. Kingsly on April 3rd and he committed to sending a payment."

Michelle pulled out Steve's checkbook. She put the phone on speaker and began to fill out a check. "How much?"