“Lawyer’s letter? For what?” He didn’t remember that at all.
“To sign away your rights to the child.”
Shock streaked through his body. “Can you tell me what happened with it? I don’t remember it at all.”
“I brought it to you. I started to explain that it was from that woman, and you called her a parasite because she wanted money. I tried to tell you it wasn’t that, but you yelled and said you knew exactly what it was about, and you signed it.”
“I signed it?”
“Yes, sir. You said you knew why she sent it. I thought it strange at the time that you didn’t care you had a child, but it was none of my business.”
“I didn’t know. I thought it was a way for her to get revenge to take me to court or something. I have to admit, I didn’t even read it. I would have signed away one of my houses to get rid of her.”
“So, you didn’t know about the baby?”
“Not until yesterday. I saw them together. He looks exactly like me.” He handed over the picture he had of them.
Karen’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, God. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. I don’t blame you, I promise. This is all on me,” he said.
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to get my family back.”
“But she—”
“It’s starting to look like there was no man and that I jumped to conclusions. I fucked up.”
“Oh, that poor woman.”
He nodded and pressed on his eyes. “Yes. I have a lot to make up for.”
“My money’s on you, sir. You’ve always gotten what you’ve gone after.”
“That’s true, but there’s always a chance this will be the first time I fail.”
“Don’t think like that. Have a positive attitude and don’t give up.”
He chuckled. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, and might I say this is the first time I’ve seen you smile or laugh in years. I’m glad they’re back.”
He smiled. “Go on back to work.”
Karen laughed. “Yes, sir.”