Chapter 17 - DIRTY MONEY
Aaron was partly right.
Most of Bell’s trust came from legitimate investments.
Some came from improper insurance billing.
The lawyers said we could fight and probably preserve most of it.
Margaret and I chose to repay more than the law strictly required.
The trust lost nearly half its value.
People called me foolish.
Ryan didn’t.
“You’re doing the right thing.”
“Careful. I’ll record that.”
Our divorce continued.
Vivian pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and accepted counseling and a no-contact period with Margaret.
Peter began repaying Margaret from the sale of his assets.
Evan agreed to meet Peter once.
Brooke apologized for the fire without adding a single “but.”
Then she handed me forty dollars.
“For damages.”
“The damage cost thousands.”
“I have forty.”
I took it.
The mansion renovation began.
Workers stripped the red room.
Under the paint were layers of blue, cream, and yellow.
Different lives.
Different eras.
Then the estate attorney called.
Bell had once tried to give the mansion to Peter after Jamie died.
Peter had refused it.
I visited him in prison.
“Why?”
“Bell wanted forgiveness.”
“And?”
“I didn’t have any.”
“Do you now?”
“No.”
He paused.
May you like
“But I don’t wake up wanting revenge anymore.”
