Chapter 8 - THE SECRET IN THE BLUE BOX
The judge did not allow Idan's outburst to become an immediate interrogation.
He was a child.
His welfare mattered more than the drama unfolding in the courtroom.
The hearing was paused.
Idan was taken to a quiet room with his father and an appropriate child specialist.
Clara remained with her attorneys.
Her hands wouldn't stop shaking.
Adam knelt beside his son.
"Idan."
The boy looked frightened.
"Daddy."
Adam swallowed.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Idan began crying.
"Grandma said Clara would disappear."
Adam felt sick.
"What?"
"She said if I told, Clara would go away forever."
Adam closed his eyes.
His mother had frightened his son into silence.
The child specialist gently explained that Idan would not be pressured to answer questions in the hallway.
Any formal account would need to be handled through appropriate procedures.
Adam nodded.
He held his son.
"I'm sorry, buddy."
Idan looked up.
"Are you mad?"
Adam's eyes filled.
"No."
"At Clara?"
"No."
"At me?"
Adam shook his head.
"Never."
Idan hugged him.
Meanwhile, Elena and Maya spoke with the judge about the newly disclosed information.
The court ordered relevant security records preserved and directed the parties to address the possible evidence through proper motions.
The hearing was adjourned.
Outside the courthouse, reporters shouted questions.
Clara kept walking.
She didn't answer.
She didn't celebrate.
Because she understood something important.
Idan's words had changed everything.
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But they were only the beginning.
The truth still needed proof.
