Chapter 16 - The Names in the Folder
The folder held Rosebridge photographs, the forged option, and names of three other landowners along County Road Six.
Each had refused Simon's offers. Each had received a different kind of pressure: threats of legal action, misleading bills, strangers turning up at their doors. One elderly couple had nearly signed because they believed they were about to lose their medical coverage.
"He made everybody think their problem was private," Ruth said when Moreno explained the evidence. "That's how he kept them quiet."
Moreno confirmed that investigators were seeking charges based on the documents, messages, and witness statements. The family was not asked to chase the men or recover more papers. We had already given what we knew. It was enough to keep the investigation moving.
Beth asked to speak to me without Ruth present. I agreed, with her attorney nearby.
"I'm sorry I said you hit me," she began. "I don't expect you to forgive me. But I want you to know that when Simon told me to do it, I knew it was wrong. I did it anyway."
I studied the daughter I had loved through braces and broken hearts and the terrible silence after her father vanished from her life.
"You used the worst thing you could say about me," I answered. "You didn't just want Mom to doubt me. You wanted people to stop listening when I spoke."
Beth nodded, tears running down her face.
"And you put Winnie in danger," I said. "Micah and Leah won't forget that. You have to accept what they decide."
"I will."
I hoped she meant it. A promise was easy in a quiet room. Living by it would cost her much more.
May you like
As I stood to leave, Moreno appeared at the door. Officers had found Doss near the warehouse district. He was in custody. Simon was still missing, but his name and photograph had been circulated to nearby agencies.
Then Ruth's phone rang. The caller was Simon Kreel himself, asking one last time whether she was ready to sign.
