What Victoria Had Signed
Chapter 14 - What Victoria Had Signed
Victoria did own the company.
But she had not ordered anyone to touch Robert’s car.
The repair company was one of hundreds of Hale subsidiaries.
Investigators found the mechanic responsible.
He had falsified a brake inspection to save time.
Robert’s death had truly been an accident.
But Charles had used the accident.
He destroyed Robert’s reputation.
He manipulated Victoria.
He frightened Thomas.
Then he built an empire around everyone’s silence.
Charles was arrested on charges involving fraud, obstruction, extortion and financial crimes.
Claire stood outside the courthouse when reporters asked whether justice had finally been served.
She thought about her father.
“No,” she said.
“Justice would have been my father coming home.”
The reporters became quiet.
“This is accountability. That matters too.”
The clip spread across the country.
But Claire did not care about becoming famous.
She went home.
Three little boys were waiting.
So was Nathan.
Ethan ran toward him holding a drawing.
It showed five stick figures.
Claire.
Nathan.
And three boys between them.
At the top, Ethan had written one word.
May you like
FAMILY.
Claire stared at it for a long time.
