Chapter 14 - What the Truth Cost
Richard’s arrest did not finish anything.
Nora had warned Abigail it wouldn’t.
There were hearings. Motions. Interviews that asked the same painful question six different ways.
The allegations concerning threats and interference moved alongside the broader investigation into Sinclair Freight’s records and Daniel’s death.
The investigators followed evidence.
Abigail waited.
Lena gave a formal statement and turned over her original documents.
The operations manager who had called her began cooperating.
The catering company withdrew its accusation against Ben after the records failed to support it. That did not erase the fear he had spent several days carrying.
Abigail called him.
“I’m sorry you got dragged into this.”
“My mom says I should’ve come sooner.”
“She sounds smart.”
“She also says you need to eat.”
Abigail laughed.
“I’m trying.”
Vanessa released a statement admitting she had assaulted Abigail.
No “misunderstanding.”
No excuse about stress.
Her lawyer arranged her appearance in the assault case. Her family name did not prevent the court from imposing consequences.
Abigail declined to attend the public apology Vanessa’s adviser suggested.
“She can apologize without an audience,” she told Nora.
Weeks passed.
Abigail moved into a modest apartment she chose herself. The temporary assistance was documented. The lease was in her name. For the first time in months, her front door felt like hers.
Matteo brought a crib in a flat box.
“Do you know how to build that?” she asked.
“I own eleven hotels.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
Isabella laughed from the kitchen.
Two hours later, the crib was finished.
One piece had been installed backward.
Nobody let Matteo forget it.
For a little while, life became smaller.
Grocery lists.
Baby socks.
Arguments over whether the nursery wall was yellow or cream.
Then, three weeks before her due date, Abigail woke to a pain that did not fade when she changed position.
She called the hospital.
Then Isabella.
By dawn, she was in labor.
Matteo waited outside while Isabella stayed beside the bed.
Abigail clutched her sister-in-all-but-name’s hand.
“I can’t do this without him.”
Isabella leaned close.
“You shouldn’t have to.”
It was the first answer that didn’t try to make Daniel’s absence smaller.
Hours later, a baby cried.
Abigail reached out, sobbing, as her daughter was placed against her chest.
“Hi, Grace.”
Outside the room, Nora’s phone lit up.
She read the message twice.
May you like
The operations manager had confirmed who ordered the records changed.
And this time, he had brought the original email.
