Chapter 18 - THE PRICE OF THE TRUTH
Martin was charged in connection with Mara's death, Robert's death, financial fraud, witness intimidation and the attack on Raymond Pike.
Derek accepted a plea deal and agreed to testify.
Helen was investigated for obstruction related to Mara's crash and the hidden evidence.
Claire was investigated for the foundation transfers.
Nobody walked away clean.
Claire produced every record showing the money had gone to Raymond's medical care and legal expenses.
She repaid the foundation from the assets she still had.
Prosecutors declined to charge her with theft.
Helen's case was harder.
She had hidden evidence for decades.
No one could prove the delay caused Mara's death.
Helen accepted responsibility for obstruction and agreed to cooperate fully.
He sat instead with Samuel in the old company cafeteria.
"You can own a quarter of this place," Samuel said.
"I don't want a quarter of a lie."
"Then turn it into something else."
The company would sell Martin's hidden assets, repay Samuel, restore Mara's estate and create an employee ownership fund.
A separate foundation would support single parents facing legal and medical crises.
Claire read the proposal twice.
"You named it after Mara."
"She built part of this. Her name belongs on something."
Claire nodded.
"What happens to my shares?"
"You keep what is legally yours."
"After everything?"
"Justice is not me taking things from you because you hurt me."
Claire's eyes filled.
"I don't know how to be your sister after this."
"Start by not throwing anything at dinner."
Then Evan's attorney called.
Martin had made one final offer.
He would plead guilty to Mara's death if prosecutors dropped the murder investigation into Robert.
"Why would he care?"
The attorney answered, "Because he says he did not kill your father."
Evan went still.
"Then who did?"
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"He says Robert killed himself."
And he claims Helen has the letter proving it.
