Chapter 19 - The People Behind the Numbers
Four months later, Dad testified in a recorded interview with investigators. He spoke slowly, sometimes stopping when his leg cramped. Sophie and I waited outside because he wanted to do it himself.
The independent technical report confirmed a failed restraint component and serious gaps in maintenance documentation. Investigators found that safety warnings had been cleared without the required work. Hospital records and Sophie's saved message contradicted the inspection bearing Dad's name.
Curtis was charged with falsifying business records connected to the safety certifications. Prosecutors also filed charges against Victoria for her alleged role in directing false documentation and obstructing the inquiry. Both had the right to defend themselves; neither charge could undo Dad's fall or the fear of the passengers.
Victoria resigned from the benefit committee before the next hearing. Her photograph disappeared from the foundation website, but the city had more important work than removing photographs.
Dad's injury claim was reopened. A later civil settlement covered a substantial share of his treatment and lost wages. It didn't restore every dollar we'd spent, and it didn't turn the damaged leg back into a healthy one.
"Turns out justice needs a payment plan," Dad joked as he practiced walking between parallel bars at rehab.
Sophie was back in school, training for a career helping people recover daily independence. I took catering shifts again while applying for a paid position with the new rider-safety office. The job was publicly posted, with a real interview and a supervisor who wasn't Vincent.
When the offer came, I brought it to Dad's room.
"Are you sure?" he asked. "You were pretty good at carrying trays."
"I still am. But I want to know who's responsible when somebody says a vehicle is safe."
May you like
He reached for my hand. "Then go ask the questions I was afraid nobody would hear."
That night Isabella called me with one more question: "Emma, when you see me tomorrow, will you still know me as the woman you saved?"
