Chapter 12
Marcus testified next.
He looked smaller without sunglasses and paid confidence.
He admitted driving the SUV.
Admitted Vanessa gave him my route.
Admitted Daniel paid half up front.
The prosecutor asked, “Were you told to kill Elena Somor?”
Marcus swallowed.
“I was told she could not arrive at the trust vote.”
“By whom?”
“Daniel.”
Daniel’s lawyer objected.
Denied.
Marcus continued.
“Vanessa said if Elena survived, make her look unstable.”
My hands went cold.
The same word again.
Unstable.
A cage built from language.
Priya testified about the forged transfers.
Adrian testified about the trust.
Tomas testified about my grandfather’s letter.
Then the prosecutor played the recording from the chapel drive.
Vanessa’s laugh filled the courtroom.
She won’t sign. That’s why accidents matter.
Vanessa closed her eyes.
Daniel stared straight ahead.
Aunt Celia testified last.
She admitted she witnessed the forged document.
Daniel’s lawyer tried to paint her as confused.
She lifted her chin.
“No. I was not confused. I was selfish.”
I looked at her then.
Really looked.
She had aged years in months.
Maybe remorse had finally reached her.
Maybe prison fear had.
Either way, truth came out of her mouth.
May you like
That was enough for court.
Not enough for my heart.
