"Did someone tell you to do that?" "My mom did." Claire almost smiled. That sounded like Margaret.
"And your father?" Ethan looked down. "He hasn't said much." "That must be hard for you."
He accepted the edge in her voice. "It is. But I know I caused it."
Claire was quiet.
"I called a therapist," he continued. "For myself. I have an appointment Tuesday."
"Good."
"I also called our counselor from after the miscarriage. I didn't schedule anything. I just asked if she was still practicing."
"Don't schedule anything for me." "I won't." He hesitated. "Vanessa blocked me."
Claire's expression hardened. "I know." Ethan looked surprised. "She messaged me."
His face changed. "What did she say?" "That is none of your business." He nodded.
Claire leaned forward. "I need to ask you something, and I need you to understand that if I later find out you lied about even one part of the answer, there will be nothing left to discuss between us." "Okay." "Were there other women?"
"No." "Before Vanessa?" "No." "During our marriage?"
"No. She was the only one." Claire watched his face for several seconds. "Did you ever bring her into this house before Friday?"
"No." "Did you ever sleep with her in our car?" "No." "Did you use money from our joint account on hotels?"
Ethan closed his eyes briefly. "Yes." Claire sat back. "How much?"
"I put it in the list. About eighteen hundred dollars over six months. Maybe a little more once all the restaurant charges are included."
"Our money." "Yes." "While we were saving for fertility treatment." His eyes filled with shame. "Yes."