Chapter 19 - The Last Name
The final name was not family.
That was Daniel's first relief.
It was someone worse in a different way.
Judge Malcolm Crane.
Melissa Crane's older brother.
Another county judge.
The investigation widened.
Daniel wanted nothing to do with it.
Then Aaron showed him an email.
Daniel read it slowly.
"Was he talking about my case?"
"We don't know yet."
"Find out."
The case became public.
Daniel's company name appeared in headlines.
So did Vanessa's.
So did the words "staged custody scheme."
Daniel refused every television interview.
He issued one statement through Aaron:
Most outlets respected it.
Some did not.
Daniel stopped reading comments.
He bought too many.
Megan helped stick them to the ceiling.
Vanessa stood before leaving.
She did not.
She only said, "Tell her I'm sorry."
Daniel replied, "Someday, if it helps her, she can read what you said."
Vanessa nodded and walked away.
Outside, Aaron handed Daniel a folder.
"Trust protector confirmed everything. Lily's shares were never in danger legally."
Daniel almost laughed.
"So all of this for nothing."
"Not nothing."
Daniel looked at him.
Aaron's voice was quiet.
"They exposed who they were."
Daniel drove home.
"Did we win?"
Daniel crouched.
"No."
She frowned.
"We're done."
She thought about that.
"Is that better?"
"Much better."
Lily hugged him.
Choose Lily over the company every time.
He placed it in a new fireproof box.
Then his phone rang.
Detective Morales.
"Daniel, I wanted you to hear this from me."
His chest tightened.
"What?"
"Malcolm Crane resigned."
"Okay."
"And Kyle signed a full cooperation agreement."
Daniel sat.
"Is it over?"
A pause.
"The criminal cases will take time."
Daniel closed his eyes.
"But for you and Lily?"
Morales continued.
"Yes. The immediate threat is over."
Daniel breathed out.
Then Morales added, "There is one item from evidence we can return now."
"What item?"
"A birthday video."
Daniel's stomach clenched.
"I don't want it."
"This one is different."
"How?"
"It was recorded before everything went bad."
Daniel hesitated.
"What is on it?"
May you like
Morales's voice softened.
"Lily, waiting by the back door for you."
