Chapter 17 - RICHARD'S FAILURE
Richard spent that night thinking about Mark at ten, fifteen, twenty-five.
He remembered a boy desperate to impress him and a father who answered mistakes with money, favors, and second chances instead of boundaries.
He had not created Mark's choices.
But he had made consequences easy to escape.
The next morning, Richard went to see Mark at the detention center.
Dana thought it was a bad idea.
Richard went anyway.
Mark sat behind the glass looking smaller than Richard remembered.
"Come to enjoy this?" Mark asked.
"No."
"Then why are you here?"
"To say something I should have said years ago."
Mark waited.
"I love you. And I will not save you from this."
Mark laughed bitterly. "That's your big speech?"
"No. This is. I failed you every time I taught you that my money could erase your damage. I won't do it again."
For a moment, Mark's face cracked.
Then anger returned.
"So Noah gets everything?"
Richard shook his head. "You still think this is about getting something."
He stood.
Mark grabbed the phone tighter. "Dad."
Richard looked back.
"If you ever want a relationship with Noah again, start by telling the truth when nobody rewards you for it."
Then he left.
That afternoon, Mark's attorney contacted prosecutors.
For the first time, Mark was asking about a plea agreement.
But he wanted one condition.
He wanted Richard to appear at sentencing and ask the judge for mercy.
Richard read the request twice.
Then he gave Dana his answer.
"I'll appear."
May you like
Dana raised an eyebrow.
Richard finished, "But I won't lie for him."
