everything that had protected
them for eight years began to collapse before sunrise.
The waterproof cases were carried one by one into a mobile evidence unit under floodlights.
State investigators photographed every seal before opening them.
Warden Robert Mitchell stood outside the perimeter with Gavin beside him, both men watching in silence as the truth was lifted from the ground where Chloe’s mother had tried to leave it.
Payment ledgers.
County development memos.
Witness statements marked unreliable before anyone interviewed the witnesses.
Trial strategy notes written months before Gavin was ever charged.
And one folder labeled:
Cole execution — final clearance.
Gavin stared at it.
“What does that mean?”
The investigator opened the folder carefully.
Inside was a demolition permit for the north pasture well.
Scheduled date: the morning after Gavin’s execution.
Reason: safety hazard removal.
Attached approving authority: county development board.
Funding source: private energy consortium.
Mitchell’s face hardened.
