Chapter 15 - THE FAMILY MEETING
Daniel’s parents wanted “everyone to calm down.”
His mother called the no-contact order “extreme.”
His father said Rachel had made mistakes but was “still family.”
So Daniel invited them to his attorney’s office.
He did not invite Rachel.
Dana played three recordings.
The first was Rachel coaching Noah.
The second was Peter discussing the trust.
The third was Rachel threatening to separate the children.
Daniel’s mother covered her mouth.
His father stared at the floor.
“No,” his mother whispered. “Rachel wouldn’t—”
“She did,” Daniel said.
“She loves those children.”
“Love doesn’t make a child afraid to speak.”
His father looked up. “What do you want from us?”
“The truth.”
“We didn’t know.”
“I believe you. But after I threw her out, you called me before you called Noah. You believed an adult before asking whether two children were safe.”
His mother began to cry.
“I did the same thing for months.”
The room went quiet.
Then his father said, “There’s something you should know.”
Daniel waited.
“Rachel asked us for money last year.”
“How much?”
“Forty thousand.”
“For what?”
“She said she was helping with the kids because you were drowning after Emily died.”
Daniel stared at him.
“You gave it to her?”
“Yes.”
His mother whispered, “She said you were too proud to ask.”
Dana leaned forward. “Do you have records?”
Daniel’s father nodded.
Then he added, “There was another payment.”
Daniel’s stomach tightened.
“To who?”
“Peter Sloan. Rachel asked me to send it because her account was frozen.”
“How much?”
“Fifteen thousand.”
Dana’s expression changed.
“What was the memo?”
Daniel’s father took out his phone, searched his banking app, and turned the screen around.
May you like
The transfer note contained only two words.
WITNESS PREPARATION.
