“As I understand it, the account closure is unrelated to any financial issues stemming from the pandemic.”

“The timing—two months ago—suggests otherwise.”

Kelner sighed. “His wife became aware of the account and wanted it closed.”

“She doesn’t get to make that decision. It’s Layla’s money.”

“From his wife’s perspective, it was a private checking account that was, perhaps, being used to siphon off marital assets.”

This was karma, Tonya thought. She’d been too relieved about Nate being silenced. She hadn’t spent enough time thinking of what his death meant for his daughter. The universe was punishing her for being selfish.

“And before he closed the account to make his wife happy, did he tell her that he was not siphoning off anything because he is legally required to take care of his child?”

Kelner cleared his throat. “I am working on reestablishing a custodial account as per the initial contract. Regrettably, it could take some time.”

“My rent is two months past due. I don’t have time.”

“Well”—Kelner’s voice took on a new energy—“I have good news there. There’s a moratorium on evictions at the moment. Even if this whole business takes a bit to sort out, you will be able to remain in your apartment. And if I can be of any assistance in that, I’d be happy to help—providing, of course, that discretion continues to be maintained.”

Tonya coughed up a thank you, aware that her landlord would have a notice on her front door in no time. The phrase left a bad taste in her mouth. She wasn’t thankful. She was rageful, furious at Kelner for thinking that a poor little waitress had no choice but to shut up and beg for money that rightfully belonged to her daughter, incensed at Layla’s father for canceling the account two months ago under pressure from his clueless wife, and most of all, infuriated with herself for not immediately realizing when the payments had stopped and proceeding as if the money was an automatic bank transfer that would continue without interruption. She should have been more on top of her finances. More careful in dealing with him. More cunning.

Still, Kelner was wrong if he thought that Tonya would simply wait with her lips zipped. Her silence had a price. And, like any past-due bill, there had to be consequences for failure to pay on time. She just needed to determine what those would be, and how she might make them happen.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

RICK

“How did we miss him come out?”