Chapter 12 - The Charge
Olivia was arrested that afternoon.
Attempted murder was not the first charge. Ortiz warned Daniel that prosecutors moved carefully. The initial charges were aggravated assault, financial exploitation, identity theft, forgery, and witness intimidation based on Olivia's attempt to force access to Ethan.
"Attempted murder may come," Ortiz said. "Intent is the fight."
Daniel wanted the words to sound bigger than they felt.
Instead, he sat in Margaret's hospital room and watched her struggle to lift a spoon.
She could speak a few words now.
"Ethan?" she whispered.
"Safe."
"Saw?"
Daniel nodded.
Tears filled her eyes.
"Sorry."
"No. Mom, don't do that."
"He... saw."
"He told the truth. He saved your life."
Margaret shook her head. "Child... shouldn't."
Daniel knew what she meant. A child shouldn't have to carry a truth that heavy.
That evening, Olivia was released on bond with strict conditions: no contact with Margaret, Daniel, Ethan, or Rachel. GPS monitoring. Passport surrendered.
Daniel hated it, but Ortiz was blunt.
"Bond is not innocence. Stay alert."
Daniel lay on the floor beside the bed until his son whispered, "Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"If Mom goes to jail, is it because I told?"
Daniel sat up.
"No. It would be because of what she did."
"But if I didn't tell--"
"Then Grandma might never get justice. And Mom might keep hurting people."
Ethan stared at the ceiling.
"Do you still love her?"
Daniel's answer got stuck.
Finally he said, "I love who I thought she was. I don't know what to do with the rest yet."
A soft tap sounded at the window.
Daniel turned.
Another tap.
He crossed the room and pulled the curtain aside.
On the fire escape sat Ethan's missing red backpack.
May you like
Inside was a note written in Olivia's handwriting.
TELL ETHAN TO STOP LYING BEFORE HE BREAKS THIS FAMILY FOR GOOD.
