“Yes.”
For a long time, I couldn’t speak.
Then I stood.
“Take copies to Eleanor.
And if you’re serious about correcting this, tell the truth to the investigators.”
Celeste looked up.
“What will happen to Jared?”
“I don’t know.”
“He’s your son.”
I felt tears burning behind my eyes.
“I know exactly who he is.”
She hesitated.
“Won’t you try to save him?”
I looked toward the mountains.
My voice was quiet.
“I spent thirty-five years loving my son.
I will never stop.
But loving him does not require helping him hurt people.”
Celeste lowered her eyes.
And for once, she had nothing to say.
Chapter Ten: The Battle for Hawthorne Ridge
The first formal legal notice arrived eleven days later.
Vale Development Group claimed that Thomas had agreed to provide access through the southern portion of Hawthorne Ridge.
Its attorneys demanded that I cooperate with the completion of the arrangement.
