Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO FINALLY ADMITTED WHAT HE DID
Z
Wade Coleman requested a meeting with Claire Donovan two weeks later.
He didn't ask to speak with Delia directly.
His attorney contacted hers, explaining that Wade wanted to provide information about the disputed ownership records and the Northstar transactions.
Delia was surprised.
She was also suspicious.
“What changed?” she asked Claire.
“Possibly the evidence. Possibly concerns about his own legal exposure. We shouldn't assume he's acting out of kindness.”
Delia nodded.
That sounded right.
Wade arrived looking exhausted.
His expensive watch was gone.
His hair was disheveled.
And for the first time, he didn't look like a man who enjoyed humiliating people.
He sat across from Delia and Claire.
Then stared at the table.
“I owe you an apology.”
Delia said nothing.
Wade swallowed.
“I fired you because you embarrassed me.”
“I know.”
“And I withheld your wages.”
“Yes.”
He looked up.
“I was wrong.”
Delia studied him.
The words were almost absurdly small compared with what he'd done.
But she let him continue.
“Your mother owned part of the Copper Lantern. Patrick recognized her contribution. I didn't want to share control.”
Delia's chest tightened.
“So you forged her signature?”
Wade looked toward his attorney.
Then answered carefully.
“I authorized paperwork representing that she'd released her interest. I knew the transaction wasn't properly documented.”
Claire made notes.
Delia felt sick.
“You knew Mom was ill.”
Wade lowered his head.
“Yes.”
“You knew she couldn't afford to fight.”
“Yes.”
Her eyes filled.
“And you let her spend the last years of her life believing she'd lost everything.”
Wade covered his face.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then he whispered, “I'm sorry.”
Delia looked at him.
“I don't know whether I can forgive you.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
She took a breath.
“But I want the truth recorded. And I want the wages you owe me.”
Wade gave a bitter little laugh.
“I suppose that's fair.”
Wade's information included records concerning Victor's use of Northstar and the Copper Lantern for questionable transactions.
The documents required independent verification.
Some implicated Wade himself.
He understood that cooperating would not erase his responsibility.
But he provided them anyway.
Later, Delia sat beside Rose in the apartment.
Owen was asleep.
The city lights shone through the thin curtains.
“Grandma?”
“Yes?”
“Do you think Mom would've wanted me to forgive Wade?”
Rose considered.
“Your mother believed in forgiveness.”
Delia looked down.
“But she also believed people should make things right.”
Rose smiled sadly.
“She did.”
Delia leaned against her shoulder.
“Then maybe I don't have to decide today.”
Rose kissed her hair.
“No, sweetheart. You don't.”
That evening, Adrian called.
“Delia.”
“Hi.”
“Claire told my attorney Wade is cooperating.”
“Yes.”
“How are you feeling?”
She considered.
“Angry.”
He waited.
“Sad.”
He remained quiet.
“Relieved, a little.”
Adrian nodded.
“All of those make sense.”
She smiled faintly.
Then asked, “What happens to Victor?”
His voice became serious.
“The relevant authorities are reviewing evidence. And I'm working through the legal process of separating myself from the operations connected to him.”
Delia looked toward the window.
“Are you really going to give up your organization?”
Adrian was quiet.
Then answered.
“I don't know what the final consequences will be. But I know I can't keep pretending the way we've operated is acceptable.”
Her eyes filled.
May you like
For the first time, his promises sounded less like romance and more like responsibility.
And that mattered far more.
