Chapter 9 - THE OLD MAN'S CONFESSION
Delaney sat across from August Bellamy in his private study.
The room smelled of leather and old books.
Rain tapped softly against the windows.
She placed the note on the desk.
August looked at it.
Then closed his eyes.
"How long?" Delaney asked.
He didn't answer.
"How long have you known?"
August's hands trembled.
"Seven years."
Delaney felt as though the floor had shifted beneath her.
"You told me you believed the wrong people."
"I did."
She stared.
"That's not the same as being innocent."
August lowered his head.
"No."
He explained that Thomas Pierce had approached him with evidence of financial misconduct.
August had believed him.
But Edmund Ashford threatened to expose financial irregularities in an unrelated hospital expansion project.
August had approved questionable transactions years earlier.
He feared losing the hospital.
His reputation.
His family's legacy.
So he remained silent.
Delaney listened without interrupting.
When he finished, she asked:
"Did you know my father would lose his job?"
August swallowed.
"Yes."
"Did you know he'd be accused of theft?"
He closed his eyes.
"Yes."
Delaney felt tears burn her eyes.
"And you let it happen."
August nodded.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Delaney stood.
"I trusted you."
August looked up.
"I know."
She shook her head.
"No. You don't."
Her voice trembled.
"My father died believing everyone thought he was a thief."
August's eyes filled.
"I'm sorry."
Delaney stared at him.
"Sorry doesn't bring him back."
She turned toward the door.
August called after her.
"Delaney."
She stopped.
"I've given Detective Keene a sworn statement."
Delaney looked back.
August continued.
"I'll testify. I'll surrender the records. I'll accept whatever consequences follow."
She studied him.
Then nodded.
"Good."
She left.
Outside, Casius waited beside his car.
He saw her face.
"What happened?"
Delaney shook her head.
"Not now."
He nodded.
She stood in the cold air.
Then whispered:
"Everyone knew."
Casius looked at her.
"Everyone knew my father was innocent."
Her voice broke.
"And nobody helped him."
Casius stepped closer.
He didn't touch her.
He simply stood beside her.
After a long silence, Delaney looked up.
"Why are you still here?"
May you like
Casius answered quietly:
"Because someone should have stayed seven years ago."
