Chapter 11
Nathan’s trial followed Evelyn’s because prosecutors wanted him separated.
Smart.
Nathan always performed best beside someone stronger.
Alone, he looked hollow.
The evidence showed he helped move Claire.
Helped stage the room.
Helped prepare the false childbirth story.
Helped forge company transfers.
His lawyer said he was manipulated by Evelyn.
I almost laughed.
Nathan had been manipulated, yes.
But he had also been paid.
He had also stood by the bar drinking while my wife lay in a coffin.
When I testified, his lawyer asked, “Did you resent Nathan after learning he was not your father’s biological son?”
I looked at Nathan.
“No.”
The lawyer paused.
“You don’t?”
“No. My father loved him. That made him family. Nathan chose betrayal. That made him guilty.”
Nathan flinched.
The prosecutor played his call with Evelyn.
If Daniel believes she died, we control the baby through grief.
Control the baby.
My son.
My tiny son who had fought for breath in a NICU.
The jury heard it.
Nathan cried during closing arguments.
Maybe for himself.
Maybe for what he had become.
At sentencing later, he apologized to me.
I answered, “Tell Claire.”
He looked at her.
She said, “No.”
May you like
That was all.
Her no filled the room.
