Chapter 16 - THE EMPTY HOUSE
George’s home was empty.
His office was empty.
His phone was off.
His attorneys claimed they did not know where he was.
I did not believe them.
Neither did the investigators.
But this was no longer my responsibility.
The authorities handled it.
I concentrated on Ethan.
He was pretending not to care.
I knew better.
“This isn’t your fault,” I told him.
“I know.”
“You say that quickly.”
“Because everyone keeps saying it.”
“Perhaps you should listen.”
He stared out my office window.
“Part of me keeps wondering how much was real.”
“With Vanessa?”
“Yes.”
“That is a question only she can answer.”
“And I don’t know if I would believe her.”
“That is the damage dishonesty does.”
He nodded.
“It doesn’t only destroy the lie.”
“It makes you suspicious of the truth.”
Two days later, Patricia called.
George had contacted her.
He wanted money.
She refused.
Then he threatened to release private family information.
She refused again.
Within hours, investigators located him at a hotel outside Memphis.
There was no dramatic chase.
No helicopters.
No spectacle.
Just a man in an expensive room discovering that money could no longer purchase distance from consequences.
He returned with counsel.
The audit continued.
Eventually, prosecutors announced charges involving financial fraud and unauthorized transfers.
I watched the news from my farmhouse kitchen.
Ethan switched off the television.
“That’s enough.”
I agreed.
George’s downfall did not repair anything.
It did not erase the garden hose.
It did not restore Ethan’s engagement.
It did not transform Vanessa overnight.
Consequences are necessary.
May you like
But consequences are not healing.
That takes longer.
