Clarice smiled. Judy swearing reminded her of Barry and his rat-fucks. She looked forward to sharing a ride with her uptown.

“Where’s your car?” Judy asked as they left the restaurant.

“Barry has the car. I thought we’d share a cab.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! You don’t know who the hell is driving cabs these days. They’re all on the phone to their Al Qaeda cell in Buffalo. I told Bill to pick me up at Saks in an hour but I’ll just get him to come now.” Judy took out her BlackBerry.

“Mom! Mom!” Brooke bounded out of the school. “Mom, look what I made!” Brooke presented her mother with a wire and papier-mâché sculpture.

“Honey, that’s fabulous.” Clarice kissed her. “You remember Mrs. Tremont.”

“Mom! Mom!” Brooke said, pulling on her sleeve.

“Brookie, aren’t you going to shake Mrs. Tremont’s hand? Where are your manners?”

“Mom, look! Dad’s car is across the street.”

“What?” Judy turned immediately.

Clarice immediately turned her head to look as Julian opened the door for Barry and Samantha.

“Brooke, stay here with Judy. I mean Mrs. Tremont.”

“But I want to go with you,” the child whined.

“You stay here with Judy,” Clarice whispered.

Barry crossed the street before Clarice had a chance to reach him.

“What are you doing here, Clarice?” he asked abruptly.

“I called the school and told them I was picking Brookie up this week.”

“You should have called me.” He avoided acknowledging Judy or his child.

“Who talks to you?” Clarice felt her heart pounding. “Brooke, take a walk with Mrs. Tremont.”

“Mommy, I want to stay with you.” The child held on to her mother’s white jacket.

“Clarice, if you have any questions just call Yvonne and she’ll give you my schedule.” His voice was devoid of emotion.

“Barry, why is that woman here?” Clarice felt her hands shaking.

“What woman?” Barry remained businesslike and spoke softly.

“I don’t want that woman near my child.” The more controlled Barry was, the more Clarice could not contain her anger.

“That’s not up to you, Clarice,” Barry said softly.

“Mom, who is she?” Brooke asked.

“Honey, shhhh,” Judy hushed the child. She couldn’t believe her luck. She was in the middle of the best story in town.

“Barry, I want you to move out tonight!” Clarice’s neck had turned red.

“You mean you’re throwing me out. That won’t look very good in court.”

Clarice grabbed Barry by the arm. “Barry—”

“Let go of me, Clarice,” He took her hand off his jacket.

“Let go of Daddy, Mom.” The child was now crying.

“I want you the hell out of my house tonight!” Clarice shrieked.