Read Online Tell Me You're Sorry by Kevin O'Brien - Free Book Online Page A

murmured, tears in her eyes. She patted him on the shoulder.
    He slid in next to Stephanie, and shook her hand. “Steffi, I’m so sorry,” he said, his eyes not quite connecting with hers. He set his laptop case on the floor and wriggled out of his jacket. The waitress came by, and he ordered a coffee. All the while, Stephanie wondered what he had to tell them that he couldn’t have said over the phone. Officially, Bradley was Scott’s attorney. Unofficially, he helped him with his finances and taxes.
    Bradley asked how they were both holding up, and admitted that he was still in shock. The waitress brought his coffee, and asked if they were ready to order some food.
    â€œCould you give us a couple more minutes?” Stephanie asked. “Thanks.”
    Then she turned to Bradley beside her. “There’s something you want to tell us, Brad, isn’t there? I wish you’d just come out with it.”
    He gazed down at his coffee cup and frowned. “Scott’s money’s all gone.”
    He waited a few moments, perhaps to let the news sink in.
    Stephanie looked at Marlene, and then at Bradley again. “How did that happen?” she asked.
    â€œWell, he took a big hit for Rebecca’s funeral,” Bradley explained. “But that’s not what did it. It was the way he spent money on Halle. In the first month alone, he gave her five grand—just to help her out, because she didn’t have a job or a decent place to live. I told him he was bat-shit crazy—” Bradley winced at Mrs. Hamner. “Pardon me, Marlene. I just didn’t think it was wise. He hadn’t known her very long. Anyway, Scott and I didn’t talk for a while after that. . . .”
    Stephanie stared at him. She could see a pattern here. “Did you ever get a chance to meet Halle?” she asked.
    He shook his head. “Actually, no. I ended up calling Scott a couple of weeks after they got married. We talked some more about his finances. He admitted his funds were dwindling, which turned out to be a major understatement. He went on to explain that he hadn’t gotten Halle an engagement ring. So he bought her some jewelry to make up for it—several thousand dollars’ worth. He converted his savings, checking, and credit cards into joint accounts . . .”
    â€œOh, Lord,” Mrs. Hamner muttered.
    â€œBetween the two of them, they drained their savings and maxed out on the credit cards with several cash advances—”
    â€œAre you sure it was the two of them?” Stephanie asked.
    â€œScott did his part,” Bradley admitted. “But yes, Halle did most of the spending—on what, I’m not sure. I really don’t know where all the money went. Anyway, I’m sorry. There’s nothing left.”
    â€œWhat about the house?” Marlene asked.
    â€œThere’s still a mortgage. It’s underwater. Even if you price it way below market value, you’ll have a hard time selling—after what happened in there.” He sipped his coffee and sighed. “That’s why I wanted to meet with you before you made the funeral arrangements. You—well, you should be careful how much you spend. I’m afraid it’s going to be out of your own pockets.”
    â€œThat doesn’t matter,” Marlene murmured. “It’s the least of my worries right now.”
    â€œWell, I’m sorry, but it matters to me,” Stephanie heard herself say. “Who was this woman? None of us met her or knew her. My sister’s body was barely cold, and this stranger came in, swept Scott off his feet, married him, and spent all his money. Where did it go? Was she giving it to someone? Scott was never foolish with money. Not until this woman came along.” She turned to Bradley. “Do you know anything about her or her financial situation before she met Scott?”
    â€œNot really,” he replied. “But