Chapter 52 A Deal with a Blackmailer

(Lydia)

Margaret took in my shocked expression. “Oh,” she said, “You didn’t know.”

“How could I have known?” I responded.

“I mean you’re mother’s here,” Margaret said, “She ought to have known.”

“Don’t drag Mama into this!” I snarled.

I didn’t even know why I got angry. Perhaps, it was because I had been on edge all day since my meeting with Sarah.

Margaret’s voice was calm and collected. But her eyes were a set of stones. “Thomas doesn’t know anything about this either,” she said, “And I have no intention of letting him find out. Lydia, I’ve let your father know that he will have to reach out to you for money. He can squeeze the last drop out of you for all I care.”

She straightened her back and looked condescendingly at me, “But I will not respond to threats made against my family. Get a grip on your father, is that clear?”

“First of all, Margaret,” my nostrils flared, “I don’t need to tell your son about any of this. Second of all, I think you should know that I have already paid o