Chapter 9
Celeste came to the hospital on the fifth day.
Not to apologize.
To perform.
She wore cream.
Soft makeup.
No jewelry except her wedding ring.
A photographer waited near the lobby.
Detective Bennett stopped him.
Celeste’s smile tightened.
I met her outside Ava’s room.
“You cannot see her.”
“I am her stepmother.”
“You are under investigation.”
Her eyes filled on command.
“Richard, grief has made you cruel.”
That used to work.
After my wife Melissa died, any mention of grief could silence me.
Celeste had learned that.
She used my love for a dead woman to manage my fear for a living child.
Not anymore.
“You gave Ava unapproved medication.”
“I followed medical advice.”
“You paid the doctor.”
“For consulting.”
“You threatened Noah.”
“To protect Ava from dangerous fantasies.”
I stepped closer.
“My daughter stood.”
Celeste’s face twisted.
“For three seconds. Do you know what false hope can do to a child?”
“Yes,” I said. “It can make her brave enough to expose the adult stealing her future.”
Her mouth tightened.
A hospital security officer moved closer.
Celeste lowered her voice.
“You think that boy is innocent? Ask where he came from. Ask why a barefoot child knew exactly how to enter a locked gala.”
I looked at her.
“He entered through the laundry corridor because Ava drew him a map.”
Her eyes flashed.
“So she admits conspiracy.”
“She admits asking for help.”
Celeste leaned closer.
“You will regret choosing street trash over your wife.”
The words were barely out before Detective Bennett stepped from the hall.
“Thank you, Mrs. Kingsley.”
Celeste went still.
Bennett held up her recorder.
“Threatening a minor witness’s family again was not wise.”
Celeste turned pale.
Security escorted her out.
Inside the room, Ava had heard enough.
Her face was wet.
“Did she call Noah trash?”
I sat beside her.
“Yes.”
Ava’s chin trembled.
“He’s my friend.”
“I know.”
“She can’t hurt him?”
“No.”
“She can’t stop therapy?”
“No.”
Ava took a breath.
May you like
“Then I want to try again tomorrow.”
My heart broke open with pride.
