The Arrest That Didn't Happen
Chapter 09 - The Arrest That Didn't Happen
Jonathan expected police to arrest William immediately.
They did not.
Threats were difficult to prove.
The financial documents were complicated.
The medical investigation was incomplete.
William hired one of the best defense attorneys in New York.
Then he did something Jonathan had not expected.
He went public.
During a televised interview, William claimed Jonathan was mentally unstable after losing his daughter.
He accused Daniel of manipulating an elderly grieving man to gain control of the Carter fortune.
The story spread quickly.
Then William challenged Jonathan's guardianship petition.
His argument was brutal.
Jonathan was seventy.
Daniel had been absent for eight months.
Rebecca had intentionally created an emergency order rather than assigning permanent custody.
According to William, the children needed an independent court-appointed guardian until the family situation was resolved.
Jonathan understood immediately.
William wanted Sophie and Ben removed from both men.
"Why?" Daniel asked.
Jonathan stared at the legal filing.
"Because the children know something."
"What?"
"I don't know."
That evening, Jonathan sat beside Sophie.
"Did Mommy ever give you anything important?"
Sophie thought.
"My necklace."
Anything else?
"No."
Ben, who had been coloring nearby, suddenly spoke.
"Mommy gave me a secret."
Jonathan turned.
"What secret?"
Ben put down his crayon.
"She said I'm not supposed to tell until Grandpa asks."
Jonathan felt every hair on his arms rise.
"I'm asking."
Ben looked toward the hallway.
Then whispered:
"Mommy said the bad man doesn't know Daddy has a brother."
Daniel went completely still.
Jonathan frowned.
"You don't have a brother."
May you like
Daniel looked at him.
"Yes, I do."
