Betrayal by Fern Michaels Page A

this was too far-fetched to imagine—was that maybe Sara had really convinced her father that he’d touched her.
    God, it was sick to even think about, let alone actually doing something as repugnant. Him a child molester. He couldn’t imagine something happening to him like this in his wildest dreams. Maybe tomorrow he would wake up and he’d find out this was nothing but a dream.
    â€œAlex. Alex, are you okay?” Kate’s voice sounded tinny, like it was coming through a deep, dark tunnel. Kate shook him. “Alex, you’re scaring me!”
    Alex gazed around the kitchen looking at all the familiar things that he and Kate had collected throughout their marriage. Now it was all a joke. A dirty, filthy joke.
    Ruined.
    Tainted.
    â€œIf you don’t speak up, Alex, I’m going to have Jay give you a shot of whatever he gives to crazy horses. I thought I heard you talking when I got out of the shower.” Kate was basically sober. She still had a slight buzz, though nothing she couldn’t handle.
    â€œThat was Don on the phone,” Alex said, his words coming out like an automaton’s.
    â€œIt’s about time he called. Are the girls okay?” Kate waited for Alex to answer.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œGod, Alex, what’s happened! Was it Emily? Sara?” Kate was almost screaming at him, yet he remained seated at the table. He was like a zombie in another time zone.
    He stood up and went to the kitchen sink. He splashed cold water on his face, hoping its briskness would wash away all that he was feeling. He cupped his hands together and drank greedily from the faucet.
    Kate had never seen Alex like this. It frightened her. “I’m going to call Don myself if you don’t tell me what happened. I’m scared, Alex.”
    Kate’s words brought him out of his daze. She would be changed forever when he told her what Don accused him of. His sweet, perfect Kate. Any shred of innocence she’d ever had, gone. He had to get himself together. For Kate. They would get through this together. He prayed she would believe him. Hell, this was Kate. Alex knew she would believe him.
    â€œDon says they’ve had to take Sara to the hospital twice. She’s been having anxiety attacks since she came home.”
    Kate knew why. The little monster was having a guilt attack. “I’m glad. It serves her right for what she did. She’s old enough to know better, Alex. I know I should’ve told you, but you and the girls were having so much fun, I hated to put a damper on things.”
    â€œKate, what are you talking about?”
    â€œThe studio. There was no burglar, Alex. It was Sara. I’ve known about it all along. I waited to see if she’d come clean while she was here, but she didn’t. I was going to tell Don, but they left, and I never got a chance to. I’ve been meaning to call them since the girls left and tell Don what she did, but then I decided against it. It was over. I figured Sara would apologize when she was older. I think she knew I suspected her.”
    Alex couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. “You’re telling me that Sara destroyed all of your earthenware, and you did nothing about it! Kate, why in the hell didn’t you tell me? I would’ve told Don. And then he would’ve . . .”
    â€œWould’ve what? Said she’s ‘at that age’ and gone about his business. That’s what Don would’ve done. He sure as hell wouldn’t get her the help she needs.”
    â€œI hate to say this, Kate, but it might’ve made a big difference if you’d at least told Don. You didn’t have to tell me. Now, though, this is only going to make things look worse.”
    â€œAlex, speak in English or say something that I can understand. You’re not making sense.”
    â€œDon called and told me Sara told him that I had . . . touched her.”
    If Alex were to have