The Trial
Chapter 15 - The Trial
Victor Hale's trial began eight months later.
Rachel testified first.
For six hours, she described intimidation, financial fraud, and the threats that had driven her away.
Victor's lawyer attacked her credibility.
"You accepted money from the Cole family."
"No."
"A check was written."
"I never cashed it."
"You disappeared."
"Because your client threatened the father of my unborn child."
The courtroom fell silent.
Adrian watched from behind her.
Rachel did not look afraid anymore.
Charles testified next.
He admitted his role.
Every signature.
Every lie.
Every effort to conceal the truth.
The prosecutor asked, "Why are you admitting this now?"
Charles looked toward Adrian.
"Because cowardice already cost me my son."
Then he looked at Eli.
"And my grandson."
Victor was convicted on multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy, intimidation, and kidnapping.
Outside the courthouse, reporters surrounded Adrian.
"Do you feel justice was served?"
Adrian considered the question.
"Justice doesn't return lost years."
He looked toward Rachel and Eli.
"But it gives us a chance not to waste the years we still have."
That quote appeared everywhere the next morning.
But Adrian barely noticed.
He was busy packing.
The penthouse had been sold.
Rachel stood among cardboard boxes.
"You sure?"
Adrian looked around.
He had once believed this view proved he had succeeded.
Now it simply looked empty.
"Yes."
Eli entered holding a real-estate brochure.
"I found a house."
Rachel laughed.
"You found a house?"
"It has a yard."
Adrian took the brochure.
"And?"
Eli pointed excitedly.
"Yellow shutters."
Adrian and Rachel looked at each other.
May you like
Neither said anything.
They didn't need to.
