Page 38 of Proof

“Go for it. If you need some help, I’ll be happy to oblige.” Chris was relieved Carter was behaving more like himself.

“Awesome!” Carter smiled at Wanda.

Chris waited until Wanda was no longer in earshot. “Carter, I want you to try to remember that first conversation you overheard about Chicago.” Chris realized he was interrogating his child, but maintained a kind, safe tone.

“Like I said, it was about a week ago. I was in the bathroom, and they were in their bedroom. She asked him when they expected him in Chicago. I thought maybe it was a trip or something, but then she said there was a lot of planning to do, packing, finding an apartment.”

“An apartment?” Chris did not like that idea one iota.

“Yeah. I guess until they can find a house or something.”

“Is that what she said?”

Carter furrowed his brow. “I really don’t remember, but I just figured.”

“What about school? Did she say anything about school?”

“I think they heard me, because they started talking real low so I couldn’t hear anything else.” Carter looked down at the table. “Dad?”

“Yeah?” Chris’s intonation matched his son’s.

“Was it a bad thing that I put my ear up against the shower to try to hear more?”

Chris burst out laughing. “Son, I am an investigator.”

“But it’s not polite to eavesdrop, right?” Carter looked embarrassed and confused.

“No, it’s not, but there are exceptions. In this case, it was an exception. You want to know what is planned for you and your life, right?”

“Well, yeah.” Carter seemed surprised and relieved.

“Okay. Not that I am encouraging rude behavior, but I want you to pay close attention to anything that they say about Chicago. I need you to do some reconnaissance for me. Okay?”

“Sure.” Carter was delighted to be in on a secret mission with his father.

“If and when your mother brings it up to you, I want you to act surprised. Can you do that for me?”

“Uh, yeah.” Carter rolled his eyes.

Wanda returned with a Sprite for Carter and a mug of beer for Chris. One was his limit, and he was going to savor it. He now had an “inside man.” He knew it was time to let his son know his plans for custody. “Carter, I have to tell you something very important, but you must promise me you will not let your mother know we talked about this. You got it?”

“Got it.” Carter stared into his father’s eyes.

“I filled out papers to file for full custody.”

Carter’s eyes widened, and his voice got louder. “You mean I don’t have to move to Chicago?”

“Shh. This is a secret operation, remember?”

Even though Carter was about to become a teenager, his father’s occupation as a U.S. Marshal held him in awe. “Got it.” Carter bit his upper lip.

Wanda blasted through the swinging kitchen doors, balancing a large tray on her shoulder. Chris marveled at how agile she was, considering how many years she had been doing the job.

“I wonder if she ever dropped anything,” Chris whispered to his son.

“Want me to ask her?” Carter was definitely acting more like himself now.

“I dare you.” Chris sat back while Wanda placed their food on the table.

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