CHAPTER 80 CRUMBLING DOWN

"Jake, what happened?" Samantha asked a drunken Jake. He looked at her, his eyes glassy and unfocused. "I'm fine," he slurred, swaying slightly. "I just had a few drinks, that's all." She shook her head, her heart racing. "You're not fine," she said, her voice firm. "You're drunk, and you're not thinking straight. Please, let me help you." But he just waved her off, heading for the bedroom. She followed him, but he ignored her, collapsing on the bed. She sat on the edge of the bed, watching him sleep. She wondered how long Jake would keep hiding his pain from her. If he was not willing to share his burden, there was no way she would help out. She had almost no idea what was happening except that the business with Deving turned out to be a scam. If only he would tell her what she could do to help, she would feel more valuable to him. How long will she have to endure this before things begin to get back to what they used to be? Jake would not stay at home for long. It became of gre