Chapter 7 - THE JUDGE WHO CONTROLLED THE CITY
Judge Harrison Witmore had spent thirty years cultivating an image of integrity.
He spoke at charity events.
Funded scholarships.
Attended church every Sunday.
But the documents suggested he had used his influence to shield illegal activities.
Investigators began reviewing financial records and historical cases connected to Whitmore Maritime.
Several suspicious transactions emerged.
Witnesses had disappeared.
Complaints had been dismissed.
Shipping violations had been quietly resolved.
Genevieve provided the Blue Harbor archive to investigators through her attorney.
Roman cooperated.
For once, he did not try to solve the problem with violence.
But Preston wasn't finished.
He appeared on television.
Standing beside his father, he told reporters that Genevieve was suffering from severe grief.
He claimed she had been manipulated by Roman DeLuca.
He said he still loved her.
Genevieve watched the interview from Roman's office.
Her hands trembled.
"He's making me look unstable."
Roman stood beside her.
"Then tell the truth."
She looked up.
"Publicly?"
"If you're ready."
Genevieve considered.
For two years, Preston had controlled the narrative of their relationship.
He decided where they went.
What she wore.
Which friends she saw.
Now he was trying to decide what the city believed about her.
She took a breath.
"Call my attorney."
Roman nodded.
"What are you going to do?"
May you like
Genevieve looked toward the television.
"I'm going to speak for myself."
