Chapter 10 - The Trial Begins
Six months later, the courthouse steps were crowded with reporters.
The Cross case had become national news.
Victor.
Richard.
Hale.
Corrupt officials.
Fraud.
Kidnapping.
Murder.
But Sophie cared about one thing.
Rachel.
She testified for three days.
Richard refused to look at her.
On the fourth day, Daniel testified.
The prosecutor asked:
“When did you realize your wife was alive?”
Daniel looked toward Sophie.
“The moment my son recognized her.”
“And did you believe her accusations immediately?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because believing her meant accepting that people I loved had done terrible things.”
Richard finally looked up.
Daniel continued.
“But truth doesn’t become less true because it hurts.”
Richard lowered his eyes.
The jury convicted him on nearly every major charge.
Victor pleaded guilty before his trial began.
Hale was convicted separately.
Claire received a reduced sentence after cooperating and revealing where Rachel had hidden additional evidence.
Rachel’s remains were returned to her family.
Sophie attended the funeral.
So did Daniel.
Claire’s mother hugged Sophie.
“My daughter saved you.”
Sophie cried.
“Yes.”
“Then live.”
Those words stayed with her.
Live.
Not hide.
Not survive.
Live.
May you like
But Sophie still had one unfinished task.
She needed to return to the warehouse.
