Heard It, But Too Late

When they arrived home, the housekeeper, Ichabod, stood at the door, looking anxious.

He ran up to them. "Ma'am, why are you back so late? I called so many times. Why didn't anyone answer?"

The nanny and Olivia had called them, but Betty had thrown fits, complaining, "Aren't you here to shop with me? Why is everyone so busy on their phones?"

Zach had been the first one to turn off his phone. "Don't be mad. See? I've turned it off. Nothing is more important than spending time with my baby girl."

"Where is Catherine?" Ralph asked.

The rims of Ichabod's eyes reddened. "Come with me. Miss Catherine Stone... She is dead."

"Enough!" Ralph cut him off. "How long are you all gonna keep up this farce? Tell her to get out right now!"

Ichabod blinked, then forced a bitter smile. "She can't. She is dead."

"What do you mean by that?" Ralph snapped. "You're gonna cover for her? You've been with us for nearly 20 years. I never knew you were so blind to right and wrong."

Ichabod frowned, raising his voice. "What's right and what's wrong here? Miss Betty Stone's allergy to mango is mild. Just a few hives that fade in hours. That mango was Miss Catherine Stone's leftovers. If not on the table, where else should she put it? Everyone knows what it is. Miss Betty Stone ate it herself. Who is to blame?"

"Blame me," Betty interjected timidly. "Ichabod, don't get upset. It was all my fault."

"You don't owe anyone an apology!" Zach barked, glaring at Ichabod. "You're just the housekeeper. How dare you accuse your employer? You want to get fired?"

Ichabod laughed, looking relieved. "Yeah, I'm done. I don't even want this month's pay. Just can't stay another minute in a household that can't tell right from wrong. Miss Catherine Stone was the kindest, sweetest kid I've ever seen. You'll regret treating her this way."

He stormed off without looking back.

"Is Catherine really mad?" Betty sniffled. "I was just so itchy then, so I told you guys. If I'd known, I wouldn't have said anything."

But this time, no one responded to her.

Ralph frowned. "Let's go check on her. She might really be upset. Good thing I bought her something. We'll make it up to her."

I latched onto Zach's back, eager to see how they'd compensate a dead girl.

The basement was dim and reeked. Laura flipped on the light, and everyone jumped at the sight.