Chapter 8 - JULIAN’S LETTER FROM CUSTODY
Julian accepted a plea on some charges after two years of litigation.
He did not escape consequences.
He also did not receive a theatrical hundred-year sentence.
Federal custody.
Restitution.
Tax penalties.
Professional disbarment.
Asset forfeiture.
Enough.
Before sentencing, he wrote Noah.
The letter arrived through counsel.
I read it first.
Required.
Julian wrote:
Noah, I spent years thinking being admired was the same as being respected.
Good start.
I wanted people to see me as successful, so I treated the people who knew my worst parts like obstacles.
I paused.
Then:
Your mother did not ruin our marriage. I did. Victoria did not steal me. I chose dishonesty.
Important.
You did not embarrass me at my wedding. My own actions were inside that box.
I cried.
Then:
I am sorry I made you feel like being my son depended on whether you made me look good.
That was the sentence.
I showed Noah.
He read it twice.
Then asked:
“Do I have to answer?”
“No.”
He folded it.
“Can I later?”
“Yes.”
He placed it in his desk.
Did not answer for eight months.
Then wrote:
Dad, I’m still mad. I hope you become someone I can know again.
Julian replied:
Me too.
No promises.
Good.
Their relationship became letters.
Then supervised phone calls.
Slow.
No instant reunion.
May you like
No “blood is blood.”
Trust should move at the speed of evidence.
