Chapter 15 - CELESTE’S DEFENSE
Celeste’s attorneys admitted the affair.
Admitted the forged travel consent.
Admitted she closed the suitcase.
They denied murder.
Their theory said Richard manipulated both women.
He convinced Amelia that Celeste betrayed her.
Then convinced Celeste that Amelia intended to destroy everyone.
Celeste claimed she believed Richard would frighten Amelia into surrendering the audit, not sabotage her car.
The prosecution produced her message:
No scene that points back to us.
She said the phrase referred to a public confrontation.
Another message read:
If she reaches Helen, we lose the trust window.
Celeste said she meant legal leverage.
The jury would decide.
Her lawyers requested separate trials.
The judge granted separation for some financial counts but kept the murder conspiracy and core obstruction case together because evidence overlapped.
My testimony became unavoidable.
Rachel prepared me to face questions about grief, remarriage, and my failures.
“Do not attempt to look wiser than you were.”
“I wasn’t wise.”
“Then say that.”
At deposition, Celeste’s attorney asked whether I blamed her because accepting my own role hurt more.
“I blame myself for ignoring Amelia. I blame Celeste for helping kill her.”
“Did Celeste save you from depression after the crash?”
“She supported me while hiding her involvement.”
“Did you love her?”
“Yes.”
The word was used against me immediately.
“If she were capable of murder, how did you fail to see it?”
“Because people do not display every choice on their face.”
The attorney smiled.
“Or because she did not make that choice.”
That argument would be repeated at trial.
Sophie was protected from testifying live about the suitcase unless necessary. Her forensic interview, the physical evidence, and adult witnesses could establish the event.
Celeste requested permission to send her a birthday card.
The court denied direct contact.
Celeste submitted the card to the guardian for future consideration.
It began:
I loved you even when your mother taught you to fear me.
The guardian sealed it.
An apology that opened by blaming Amelia was not safe communication.
Sophie turned seven under court protection.
The trust audit activated.
No celebration referenced company ownership.
She requested a backyard astronomy party.
Telescopes.
Pizza.
A cake shaped like the moon.
No travel documents.
No corporate guests.
Before blowing out candles, she looked at me.
“Do wishes have to be secret?”
“No.”
“I wish Mom knew we found the picture.”
I could not promise the dead knew.
“I’m glad you said it.”
May you like
She blew out seven flames.
The cake remained intact.
