Chapter 22 - MOM BREAKS WITH NATALIE
Linda came to Rebecca’s office and asked to cooperate.
Without Natalie.
She looked exhausted.
“I didn’t know the total.”
I said nothing.
“I thought the trust was paying us because Megan worked so much.”
Rebecca asked:
“Who told you that?”
“Natalie.”
“Did Megan ever tell you?”
“No.”
“Did you wonder why she didn’t?”
Mom cried.
“I thought she was embarrassed.”
I almost laughed.
Every missing consent had been interpreted in the direction they preferred.
Mom admitted giving authentication codes.
Admitted recording chores after Natalie suggested it.
Admitted letting Sophie leave.
Admitted deliberately waiting.
“How long did you think you’d wait?” I asked.
“Ten minutes.”
“You waited two hours.”
“She was at the driveway.”
“Until she wasn’t.”
Mom closed her eyes.
“I know.”
Then:
“Natalie told me if I ran after her, Sophie would learn threats worked.”
I stared.
“She was eight.”
“I know.”
“Did you believe Natalie?”
“Yes.”
That was the answer.
Not excuse.
Mom gave investigators access to her phone.
Her messages proved she had resisted guardianship several times.
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They also proved she accepted money she should have questioned.
The truth refused to make her only one thing.
