“The academic standards in Oak Creek are falling behind.”

Listen here, I thought, I know exactly what he’s doing.

He was building a wall to keep me from asking any more questions about his bank accounts.

“Bring her back to Oak Creek,” I said.

“You pushed too far, Arthur, so as of today, Emma’s weekend visits are permanently canceled.”

Mark stepped back into the tiled foyer.

“Don’t come to this house again,” he said.

The oak door shut.