“What happened?”

“I don’t know, Julia. I was buying some art supplies for Chloe’s art project and the store wouldn’t take the card. That was so embarrassing. I felt like a criminal.”

“Bastard. I was afraid he might pull something like this. I spoke to his attorney yesterday about the house issue again, and he said Max was livid. My guess is he’s pulling this stunt in retaliation.” A breath whistled through Julia’s lips. “I’ll put in another call to Murray and see what the hell is going on. Max is digging his own grave.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t see it that way.”

“What did the credit card people say?”

“Only that he had canceled the card, not the account. Seems pretty obvious he’s cutting me off. Shit. Should I check the joint account?”

“Yes. Get online when you get home and see what’s what.”

Maggie paused, again feeling somewhat ashamed and inadequate. “Julia, I don’t know how. Max always took care of that.”

“Shit, Mags. Then how do you know how much money you have in the account?”

“I don’t. Max never gave me the credentials to access the account.”Oh fucking shit.She’d really screwed herself, hadn’t she? By not being involved? And here she’d been all these years thinking he was simply taking care of her. No. It was all just another form of control, the therapist was right. “I have a debit card. I withdraw a thousand dollars a month. That’s how Max told me to do it.”

“Well, you need to find out if the debit card works and if you are still on that account. And I mean ASAP.”

“Alright. I will. What do you suggest?”

“Is there a local branch?”

“Yes. That’s where I withdraw the cash every month.”

“Good. Go there and get the balance. Have them print the current month’s statement. Make sure it has a balance amount on it.” She paused. Maggie could hear her even breathing. “And maybe if you’re feeling brave, draw out as much money as you can.”

Shit is starting to hit the fan. Isn’t it?Twisting the key in the ignition, she glanced into the rearview mirror. “I’m heading there now. I’ll let you know.”

“Be safe, Mags.”

“Always.”

The bank was only a few blocks away. By the time she’d entered the building and made her way to the counter, she’d worked herself into heart palpitations and sweaty palms. Ridiculous. Max had always taken care of the banking and bills—but doing something like this shouldn’t make her so apprehensive. How on earth had she allowed this to happen?

“Good morning. How may I help you?” The young gentleman behind the plexiglass smiled and pushed his glasses up with a forefinger.

Maggie pulled her debit card out of her wallet and slid it under the barrier. “I need a current balance on this account,please—preferably a printout of the deposits and expenses to date for the month. Can you do that?”

He nodded and smiled. “Yes, of course.” He slid the card toward him and started typing information into his computer. He’d pause, glance down at the card again, then back to the screen and start typing. Finally, he looked at her and said, “I’ll be right back.”

She figured he was going to go get the printout. But when he came back, he had the branch manager in tow. The woman was about her age, she guessed. She wore a black business suit with a red blouse and equally red heels. “Mrs. Oliver? I’m Sandra Martindale. Would you mind stepping into my office, please?”

“Is there a problem? With the printout? I don’t mean to cause any trouble.” Her hands were shaking.

She smiled. “It’s no trouble. We’ll have that for you in a minute if we can. But there’s something I would like to discuss with you, if I may.” She gestured toward a wall of office windows to her left. “I’m just over here.”

She rounded the short counter. Maggie met her in front of the office with Ms. Martindale’s name on it.

“Please have a seat.”

Maggie entered the small office. Sandra closed the door, motioned to a seat in front of her desk, and sat behind it.

“Something is up, isn’t it?” Maggie settled into the leather chair. “Just tell me.”

The bank manager sighed. “Mrs. Oliver….”