CHAPTER 46

Ever since he read the messages his mother had exchanged with Mr. Abraham and discovered the torrid romance between them, James never went to work again. He couldn’t face it and pretend everything was fine. He had always been a cold-blooded person, a man of logic and numbers, used to facing the challenges of everyday life with serenity. But the secret revealed in the letters affected him deeply.

What disturbed him most was the image of his mother, the woman he thought was immaculate, almost a saint, who was his boss’s mistress. This answered many questions he had: the generosity of the gifts and the high salary he received.

Mr. Abraham was worried about James’ absence and silence. So he went to the Campbell residence himself. Mr. Barton knocked on the door several times, but there was no answer.

“James, I know you’re here. Your car is parked outside,” he said in a firm voice.

“James, if you don’t answer, he might call the police,” whispered Meg, not understanding what was going on.

Ja