Chapter 17 - No More Running
Vanessa's arm locked around Rachel's shoulders.
Jason moved forward.
"Mom. Let her go."
"Stay back."
Vanessa held no weapon, but Rachel could feel desperation shaking through her body.
Outside, officers moved toward the church doors.
Rachel spoke quietly.
"You can't control this anymore."
Vanessa tightened her grip. "You ruined everything."
"No. You did."
"You think Jason will thank you when the company collapses?"
Jason's voice cut across the aisle.
"I don't care about the company."
Vanessa stared at him.
He took another step.
"I care about my wife. I care about my daughter. I cared about Dad. You turned all of us into pieces on a board."
"I built your life!"
"Then watch me choose a different one."
Vanessa flinched as though he had struck her.
Rachel felt the grip loosen.
She stepped away.
Officers entered.
Vanessa did not fight them.
She simply stood in the aisle while Castillo placed her in handcuffs.
"The letter," Jason said.
Vanessa looked at the envelope in her hand.
Then she let it fall.
Jason picked it up.
Inside was one page in David's handwriting.
Jason,
If you're reading this, I waited too long to tell the truth. I kept telling myself silence protected the family. It only protected fear. Don't inherit that from me.
Jason stopped reading.
His eyes filled.
Mia put a hand over her mouth.
Rachel leaned against Jason.
The church doors closed behind Vanessa.
For one breath, it felt finished.
Then Rachel doubled over.
Jason dropped the letter.
"Rachel?"
She grabbed the pew.
A sharp pressure wrapped around her stomach.
"Jason."
His face went white.
"What?"
Rachel looked down.
May you like
Water spread across the stone floor beneath her shoes.
"I think our daughter just chose today."
