Chapter 13 - RICHARD’S LAST LIE
They listened to the recording at the precinct that evening. Emma was in another room with a victim support officer, eating grilled cheese and watching cartoons.
Richard Hale’s voice filled the small interview room. Older, rougher, but unmistakably his.
“If Victoria asks, you tell her Caroline drove into the river,” he said.
A second voice belonged to Evan Miles. “What about Caroline?”
“She’s scared. Tell her Victoria saw the documents and agreed she needed to go.”
Caroline stared at the table. Victoria reached for her hand.
On the recording, Evan said, “That’s a lie.”
“She’ll believe it,” Richard answered.
Victoria wanted to hear him take it back. She wanted some sign that he had cared what the lie would do to his daughters. None came.
The rest of the files filled in the missing years. Evan had helped Caroline leave New York. He had later tried to contact Victoria, but Richard intercepted his letters. Caroline stayed hidden because Richard had threatened her—and, after Emma was born, threatened Emma.
“He died six years ago,” Victoria said quietly. “You could have come back then.”
Caroline looked at her. “I tried. Daniel found me before I reached you. He showed me pictures of Emma walking home from preschool.”
Ortiz turned off the recorder. “We have enough to charge Daniel and Peter. We’re also reopening the fraud investigation.”
Caroline gave a tired laugh. “Dad found a way to make a mess even after he died.”
Victoria remembered all the years she had defended Richard’s memory. She had stood at charity events beneath his portrait. She had thanked people for calling him a good father.
“There’s something else,” Ortiz said. “Peter told us Richard left an account in your name. We’re checking whether it was used without your knowledge.”
Victoria sat up. “What kind of account?”
May you like
Ortiz slid a document across the table.
It showed millions of dollars moved after Richard’s death—each transfer bearing Victoria’s signature.
