On the back of the photo, in faded pencil, someone had written: Us & the Carlsons. Labor Day 2019. Best neighbors ever!
I looked at the blond woman’s hand on Mark’s arm.
I looked at it for a long time.
And I thought I understood.
I called my friend Denise the next day.
Denise works at the county courthouse. She knows how to look things up. Public records. Divorce filings. That sort of thing.
“I need to know about a divorce,” I said. “Vanessa and Mark. Last name might be Hale. Finalized maybe six or eight months ago. Franklin County.”
Denise called me back two hours later.
“Vanessa Hale and Mark Hale,” she said. “Final in November. It’s public record, so I can tell you what’s in the filing.” She paused. “Janet, why are you asking?”
“Just tell me. Please.”
“The grounds are listed as adultery,” Denise said. “On his part. He was having an affair. For about two years, according to the filing.” She paused again. “With a neighbor. A woman named Kristen Carlson. Next door. Married too. Her husband filed for divorce the same month.”
