Chapter 14 - A Father and His Daughter

Victor Voss arrived at police headquarters with two attorneys and a smile that belonged on a campaign billboard.

"I'm here to cooperate," he announced.

Nina wasn't impressed. "Then we'll start with your instruction to redirect emergency vehicles."

Victor's lawyers wanted privacy. Nina recorded the interview. By the time it ended, Victor had admitted that the foundation's dispatch office sent an incorrect location, but claimed it was an innocent mistake by a junior employee.

"What about your approval?" Nina asked.

"A digital stamp. Lots of people had access."

"Your voice is on the driver recording."

He stiffened. "That was before the accident."

"It was before six people died," she replied. "You don't get to pretend the timing makes you innocent."

Outside the station, Caleb watched his future father-in-law walk past without acknowledging him. The engagement was over. Celeste kept the ring.

"He'll blame her," Caleb told Mara. "He'll sacrifice anyone to keep his name clean."

"Including you."

"Especially me."

Mara studied him. "You don't get to become a good man just because your secrets came out."

"I know."

"I told you to stop saying that."

He gave a sad half-smile. "Then I'll show you what I can do."

Caleb handed Nina a sworn statement identifying every settlement he had helped pressure families to sign. He also turned over emails documenting his role in withholding the maintenance report. His lawyer warned him that cooperation would not erase his liability. He signed anyway.

That night, Celeste appeared on television in a white dress with a slim brace around her wrist. She spoke tearfully about surviving an unprovoked attack at her family's home. Then she looked into the camera.

"Some people will do anything for money," she said. "Even exploit a tragedy."

Mara turned off the screen. June swore at the wall. Teresa laughed once, a harsh sound.

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Then Caleb's phone rang. He listened, said nothing, and ended the call.

"That was my attorney," he said. "A grand jury subpoena came in. They're taking my testimony tomorrow, and Celeste just offered them a recording she says proves Mara invented the whole thing."