Chapter 14
The defense collapsed after Dr. Price testified.
Martin turned on Evelyn.
Evelyn turned on Martin.
Their great love became a knife fight with legal pads.
Martin claimed Evelyn planned everything.
Evelyn claimed Martin manipulated her.
Neither mentioned remorse.
Robert watched them from the gallery.
His face was empty.
During a break, he came to me.
“Emily, may I sit?”
I nodded.
He sat carefully.
“I am filing for divorce.”
“I’m glad.”
“I should have protected you.”
“Yes.”
He accepted that.
“I can’t undo it.”
“No.”
“But I can testify in the civil case. I can help Rosa. Clara. You.”
I looked at him.
“Then do that.”
He nodded.
“Daniel loves you.”
My chest tightened.
“Love without courage is not enough.”
Robert lowered his eyes.
“I know.”
After closing arguments, the jury deliberated for fourteen hours.
Evelyn sat still.
Martin prayed.
Dr. Price stared at nothing.
Daniel waited in the hallway, refusing to enter.
I found him by the vending machines.
He looked wrecked.
“Emily.”
I stopped.
“I know I lost you,” he said.
“Yes.”
“I’m not asking to get you back.”
“Good.”
He swallowed.
“I just want you to know I told Lydia about another account.”
“What account?”
“One Mom opened in your name after the assault.”
My stomach dropped.
“For what?”
May you like
He looked sick.
“To hire someone to make you disappear before trial.”
