Chapter 18: The Judge
The name at the bottom of the letter was Judge Arthur Sterling—one of the most powerful men in the state. He’d presided over Lucas’s parents’ will. He’d handled every major legal move for the family for thirty years.
“He’s the one who pulled all the strings,” Lucas said. “He’s the one who made sure no one ever asked questions.”
We brought the evidence straight to the state attorney general. She promised us full protection—and a sealed hearing.
When Sterling was called in, he didn’t panic. He sat calm and composed, adjusting his glasses.
“You don’t understand,” he said smoothly. “I did what was necessary to protect this family. Chaos would have destroyed you all.”
“Murder isn’t protection,” I said. “Stealing isn’t protection. Lying to your own children isn’t protection.”
He looked at me with cold eyes. “You think you’re the first ones to suffer for money? You’re just the ones who got caught.”
Then he stood up and straightened his tie. “You’ll never prove a thing.”
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