Chapter 16 - THE COST OF TESTIFYING
Evan’s shoulder was fractured, but he refused pain medication until the hospital confirmed exactly what he was receiving.
Walter noticed.
Neither man commented on it.
Mercer was charged with burglary, assault, witness intimidation, organized fraud and conspiracy. Judge Bell faced bribery and obstruction charges. Alicia entered witness protection with her children.
The state offered Evan limited immunity for testifying about the loans, fraudulent collateral agreements and client funds he had misused.
He refused the first offer.
“It protects me too much,” he told his attorney.
Mara stared at him. “You could go to prison.”
“I know.”
“Dad doesn’t need you destroying yourself to prove something.”
“I’m not.”
Evan placed a revised statement on the table.
“I want the agreement to cover only truthful cooperation. I’ll accept sentencing for what I did with the client money.”
Walter read the statement later that evening.
“You think punishment will make me trust you?” he asked.
“No.”
“You think prison makes you honest?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
Evan’s voice became unsteady.
“Because every time I escape a consequence, I hear Denise telling me that survival matters more than decency.”
Walter folded the papers.
“You protected me when Mercer came into the house.”
“I did what I should have done the first time.”
“Yes.”
Evan waited for more.
Walter gave him none.
Then he carried the papers into his study and returned with an old wristwatch.
It had belonged to Evan’s grandfather.
“I’m not giving this back because everything is repaired,” Walter said.
“Why, then?”
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“Because you finally understand that repair has a price.”
Evan accepted the watch with both hands.
