Chapter 5 - MONICA’S STORY
Monica’s attorney released a statement saying she had suffered:
“Extreme psychological pressure arising from complex family financial disputes.”
I stared at the television.
Lily turned it off.
“Don’t.”
“What?”
“Let her lawyer lawyer.”
Fair.
Monica eventually gave investigators her version.
She claimed Lily voluntarily entered the basement during an argument.
The door “accidentally locked.”
Then Lily became threatening.
So Monica was afraid to release her.
For twenty-three days.
That explanation lasted approximately as long as it deserved.
The new external deadbolt mattered.
So did text messages between Monica and Dean.
Day two:
She still won’t tell me where she sent it.
Dean:
Then keep her quiet until we know.
Day six:
William comes back Friday.
Dean:
Move Lily or keep him away from that wing.
Day nine:
She’s getting weak.
Dean:
Then she’ll talk.
I stopped reading.
Lily did not.
She read every message.
Her face did not change.
At the end she said:
“Dean knew.”
“Yes.”
“He knew I was down there.”
“Yes.”
My sister stared at the wall.
Monica had physically locked the door.
Dean had encouraged her not to open it.
Different conduct.
Both mattered.
The criminal case reflected distinctions.
Unlawful confinement.
Assault-related allegations.
Financial crimes.
Conspiracy questions.
Forgery.
The exact charges would be for prosecutors, not me.
I did not need to exaggerate what happened.
May you like
The truth was sufficient.
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