Chapter 18 - No More Clean Reports
The investigation did not end in a dramatic confession. It ended in interviews, warrants, bank records, and thousands of pages that strangers had to read carefully.
Baird's attorney negotiated an interview in exchange for the prosecutor considering his cooperation. Baird identified companies that had received stolen grant money. He described how Nora was targeted, who approved the fraudulent documents, and why Camille had arranged for the medical clinic to hold her.
His account did not erase his own responsibility. It gave investigators places to look.
Martin was arrested on financial charges and additional counts connected to the attack on Nora. Camille was arrested after investigators secured relevant records and witness testimony. Both denied wrongdoing through counsel.
Julian watched the news from a hospital waiting room. Reporters asked whether he would seek his old title. He ignored the calls. The first meeting he attended was with residents from the affected housing development.
A grandmother named Irene Bell unfolded a pharmacy bill across the table.
"My grandson has been sick twice this month," she said. "You people sent a letter saying the water was fine. Do you know how it feels to wonder if you hurt a child because you believed that letter?"
Julian did not claim that one bill proved the water had caused the illness. The public-health investigation was still under way. But he did not hide behind that uncertainty, either.
"The reports were altered," he said. "I relied on them, and I should have demanded the originals. I'm paying for independent testing and immediate safe water while the health department investigates."
"With foundation money?"
"With my own, until an independent administrator can make the fund's resources available lawfully."
Irene looked at him a long time. "Don't make a speech. Make sure the water comes."
"I will."
That afternoon Julian received the paternity results requested with Nora's consent. The lab confirmed what both adults had begun to believe: he was Sadie's biological father.
He called Nora, but she did not answer immediately. When she did, her voice was careful.
"I saw the results," she said. "Sadie wants to know whether you can come to dinner."
May you like
Julian closed his eyes. "What should I bring?"
"Nothing expensive," Nora said. "She wants you to bring that purple dog drawing."
