Chapter 123: Ramona's Story I

"No! No! It's not like that at all!" Ramona's heart galloped as she tried to come up with an excuse. "Do you remember that there were still funds that Calvin had managed to keep to himself? He had not returned all the money to your father."

"So, I went to see him and begged him to tell me where the money went. I - I was hoping that by doing that, I could win Charles' favor!" Ramona said.

Leni looked like she doubted Ramona's reply, but eventually, she frowned and inquired, "Did he tell you, though?"

With a sigh, Ramona answered, "No. He said he no longer has the money, but we all know that's not true."

"Yeah," Leni acknowledged. "Dad did say they lost a lot of money back then."

"But don't go see Calvin again, Mom! It's dangerous. He is dangerous!" Leni scolded. "Honestly, I wish he would just stay in prison."

Ramona wrinkled her nose and said, "Oh, but the life sentence in our state is only twenty-five years."

"Well, either way, stop seeing him!" Leni warned, "If Dad finds out, he wil