When Jack returned from a short business trip, he was met with a story that felt like a punch to the gut. “Daddy, guess what? Yesterday, a man named Pete came over,” Maddie said, brushing her doll’s hair. “Who is Pete, honey? What was he doing here?” “He and Mommy went into your bedroom and locked the door. And after he left, another man named Vince called.”
“She talked to him for a long time, and then she put on a pretty dress and left.” “Left? She left you here alone?” Jack’s face was pale, the veins in his neck bulging. Christine watched him, her heart hammering against her ribs. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
She remembered yesterday perfectly. They had spent the afternoon at the park, and Maddie had been so tired she’d fallen asleep before dinner. There were no men. No “Pete,” no “Vince.” “How often does this happen, Maddie?” Jack asked, his voice low and dangerous.
“A lot. Two days ago, Uncle Vince came over and they stayed in the room again. He didn’t leave until morning. I saw him because I woke up early.” “Maddie, go to your room. Now,” Jack commanded. The child scurried off, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. Christine stood her ground, though she was shaking.
“I’m waiting for an explanation,” Jack said, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. “I’m not going to give you one, because I’m too busy wondering who coached our daughter to lie like that. Jack, think. Yesterday we were at the park until 6:00. You FaceTimed us. We talked on the phone for an hour before bed. When exactly did I have time to host two different men?”
“So you’re saying our four-year-old just made this up?” Jack’s anger flickered, replaced by a seed of doubt. He knew Christine. He knew her routine. He knew she wasn’t a liar. But the detail in Maddie’s story was so specific.
“I’m saying someone put those words in her mouth. Let’s go talk to her together. She’s a smart kid; she’ll trip up if we’re gentle,” Christine said firmly.
