Chapter 10 - Amanda’s Voice
Ross refused to play the cassette publicly.
“This belongs in evidence.”
Ella understood.
But Charles reacted anyway.
“She was confused.”
Keene looked at him.
“We haven’t said what is on it.”
Charles realized his mistake.
Mark stared at him.
“What did she record?”
“Nothing.”
“You just said she was confused.”
Charles turned on his son.
“Stop talking.”
Mark stepped back.
The command sounded exactly like childhood.
Helen lowered her head.
Ella saw the pattern clearly.
Charles controlled people by deciding when they were allowed to speak.
Amanda spoke.
He silenced her.
Helen questioned him.
He frightened her.
Ella confronted him.
He struck her.
Mark obeyed and was rewarded.
Until obedience became evidence.
Ross handed the cassette to Vale.
“Take this directly to the lab.”
Charles suddenly lunged.
Not at Ella.
At the tape.
Vale turned away. Ross and another officer restrained Charles against the table.
Champagne glasses fell.
Guests scattered.
Charles struggled once, then stopped.
The retired officer who had expected protection now stood pinned beneath the gaze of men he once commanded.
Mark did not help him.
He stared at the detective shield clipped to his own waist.
Then, slowly, he unclipped it.
Ross held out his hand.
Mark placed the shield in his palm.
May you like
The promotion ended without applause.
And the cassette left the property under armed escort.
