Page 101 of After Anna

“And isn’t it true that under the settlement, Anna agreed to withdraw her Petition, and you agreed to leave the home voluntarily?”

“Yes.”

“And you rented a carriage house in Haverford the very next day, which ultimately became the crime scene, isn’t that correct?”

“Yes.” Noah cringed.

“Dr. Alderman, isn’t it true that Anna did not seek nor did she receive any money damages in return for withdrawal of her Petition against you?”

“Yes.” Noah didn’t elaborate, though Linda knew full well that damages weren’t available in PFA actions.

“So isn’t it true that the only thing that Anna stood to gain by her PFA Petition is that you would leave the house?”

“Yes.”

“Why would Anna want you out of the house if you hadn’t sexually abused her?”

“I don’t know,” Noah said, hearing the jury shifting.

Chapter Forty-eight

Maggie, Before

Maggie passed that night feeling apart from Noah, who worked in the basement while she was on her laptop in the bedroom. Both kids were on their laptops in their bedrooms. By bedtime, she realized that none of them had looked at anything but a computer for the entire night, but they all needed a cooling-off period, especially her.

The next morning, Noah left for work, Caleb took the bus to school, and Anna was picked up by Samantha. Maggie went to Mike Wilson’s funeral, where she sat with Noah, though they arrived separately since he’d come from the office with the others. She and Noah greeted a grief-stricken Dina and Steve Wilson in the receiving line, and Maggie continued to feel withdrawn during the heartbreaking service, though she didn’t reach for Noah’s hand and he didn’t reach for hers. When the service was over, she kissed him dryly on the cheek, but he barely met her eye.

In the afternoon she busied herself painting color samples on white canvases to make it easier for Anna to choose a bedroom color, then she prepared dinner, spaghetti with pesto sauce and a fresh Caprese salad, thick slices of beefsteak tomato and soft buffalo mozzarella covered with chopped fresh basil, drizzled with overpricedbalsamic and olive oil. Anna textedbe home at 6 and stoked to drive, which made Maggie feel better.

They all sat down to dinner at the usual time, but other than that, nothing else about the mealtime was typical. Noah seemed unusually silent, perhaps the aftermath of Mike’s funeral, and Caleb was also quiet. Maggie carried the conversational ball, asking both kids about their school day, but only Anna responded with enthusiasm, then she and Noah left together for the driving lesson.

“How did it go, guys?” Maggie said, coming from the kitchen when she heard the front door opening. She’d just finished baking chocolate chip cookies and arrayed them on a serving plate next to four small plates and napkins, expecting they’d all eat cookies and yammer away, like an impromptu family party.

“Okay,” Anna answered, entering the house with a frown.

Noah came up behind, puzzled. “What do you mean, Anna? You did very well.”

“Thanks.” Anna hoisted her purse to her shoulder and headed for the stairwell, but Maggie intercepted her.

“Want a snack, honey? I made cookies.”

“Sorry, I better get to work. I’m so behind, I’ll be up all night.”

“But I want to hear about your lesson. How did it go? How was the car?”

“Fine, I really should get to work.” Anna pursed her lips, going upstairs. “See you later.”

“Where’s Caleb?” Noah asked, sliding his tie off.

“Upstairs, doing homework.” Maggie took a step closer, keeping her voice low, even after Anna had gone. “What happened? She seems bummed.”

“She seems fine to me.” Noah left for the kitchen, and Maggie followed him, bewildered.

“How did she do?”

“Great, but she really shouldn’t drive on the street until she gets a Pennsylvania license.” Noah crossed to the kitchen island, took a few cookies and a napkin, and turned to head down to the basement.

“Where did you take her?”