Chapter 14 - THE WOMAN
Calvin Rusk identified Vivian from a photo lineup.
According to Rusk, Vivian said Amelia was reckless, that she endangered Lily, that a "controlled accident" would force Grant to take family security more seriously.
Rusk claimed he believed the vehicle would fail at low speed.
That was enough for arrests. Nathan was caught at a private airfield; Vivian was taken in again before lunch.
Conspiracy.
Fraud.
Evidence tampering.
Child endangerment.
And, pending grand-jury review, homicide-related charges tied to Amelia's death.
Dante refused television interviews. "This is Lily's life," he told Ellen. "Not my press tour."
The Mercer Foundation board suspended him as chairman.
One newspaper printed a photo of Lily on the floor beneath the headline THE ROOM THAT LOOKED AWAY.
Then he called Rebecca.
"I want to surrender temporary custody voluntarily."
"Why?"
"Because she flinches when she sees me."
"That's not an answer."
Grant swallowed.
"Because I failed her before Vivian ever committed a crime."
At the emergency hearing, Grant did not fight placement with Rebecca.
He asked only for supervised contact if Lily's therapist approved.
The judge agreed.
Afterward, Dante found Grant alone on the courthouse steps.
"You did one decent thing," Dante said.
"It doesn't erase anything."
"No."
Grant looked toward the waiting cars.
"Will she ever forgive me?"
Dante's answer was simple.
"That is not a debt you get to collect."
Then a reporter shouted a question from behind the barricade.
"Mr. Mercer! Did you know your wife planned to kill your first wife?"
May you like
Grant opened his eyes.
And this time, he did not walk away.
