Chapter 16 - A Seat at the Table
Friday morning, Isabella rolled into the boardroom under her own power. She had refused Vincent's offer to push her wheelchair.
"I'm grateful for help," she told him. "I just like being asked first."
The room held trustees, staff, an independent investigator, and a reporter allowed to observe the public portion. Victoria sat opposite me in a pale suit. She didn't glance in my direction.
Curtis Vane spoke first. He said Dad had ignored safety rules and signed the release for Vehicle 18 before the accident.
"Do you have the original record?" the investigator asked.
"The company does."
"Then why does its timestamp show approval during Mr. Carter's surgery?"
Curtis blinked. "System synchronization."
Sophie squeezed my fingers beneath the table.
When I spoke, my voice shook until I described the old woman's eyes as Victoria raised her hand. Then my words came easily. I explained what I'd seen and what I hadn't: I had caught a wrist, witnessed a wheelchair shift, and later heard about the damaged brake. I hadn't watched anyone remove its clip.
Victoria's attorney asked whether I'd been offered money.
"Yes," I said. "By your client's attorney. To say I was mistaken and to stay out of the van investigation. I didn't take it."
The attorney stared at his notes.
Isabella addressed the board last. "This started with a transportation promise," she said. "We told people they'd get to their doctors safely. Our promises don't become optional when keeping them is expensive."
The chair thanked her. Then the investigator placed the altered inspection beside Dad's original warning and the archived correspondence.
"Mr. Vane," she said, "who instructed you to return Vehicle 18 to service?"
May you like
Curtis looked toward Victoria for the first time.
"I think," he said hoarsely, "you should ask Ms. Langford."
