Chapter 9 - THE TRUTH ABOUT CLAIRE'S ACCIDENT
Investigators reopened Claire Mercer's death.
The original crash report contained inconsistencies.
The vehicle's maintenance records had been altered.
A witness had reported seeing another car near the scene.
And the driver's identity had never been established.
Daniel's financial records revealed payments to a mechanic connected to the vehicle.
The mechanic eventually cooperated.
He described being paid to interfere with the car before Claire's fatal trip.
The evidence suggested the crash had been deliberately caused.
Cole listened to the findings in silence.
His wife had not died because of random misfortune.
Someone had arranged the circumstances that killed her.
Daniel had been part of the conspiracy.
Cole returned home and sat alone in the library.
For hours, he stared at Claire's photograph.
Then Elena entered quietly.
She stopped at the doorway.
“Cole?”
He looked up.
His eyes were red.
“I should have protected her.”
Elena sat nearby.
“You couldn't know everything.”
He shook his head.
“I should have listened.”
She didn't argue.
Because perhaps he should have.
Perhaps he had ignored warnings.
Perhaps his choices had made it easier for Daniel to act.
But Elena knew guilt could become another prison.
She looked at him.
“Then listen now.”
Cole raised his eyes.
“To Noah.”
She paused.
“To the people who tell you things you don't want to hear.”
His expression softened.
“And to yourself.”
May you like
Cole closed his eyes.
For the first time, he allowed himself to grieve without hiding behind anger.
