Chapter 7
Vanessa was not arrested that first night.
But three days later, she was.
Conspiracy.
False police report attempt.
Theft.
Evidence tampering.
Defamation.
Derek confessed quickly.
He said Vanessa planned everything.
She knew Mr. Harrison had cash in the office because he had withdrawn money for a contractor.
She needed money to pay Derek’s debt.
Derek owed a private gambling lender.
Vanessa offered the theft plan.
Maria cleaned the office.
Maria needs money.
Maria has family overseas.
Maria will be believed guilty.
When Alicia read Derek’s statement to me, I felt my face go numb.
Family overseas.
I sent money to my mother in Guatemala every month.
Vanessa knew that.
She had used my love for my mother as motive.
That was the moment I stopped feeling shocked.
I started feeling angry.
Useful angry.
The kind that sits straight and signs documents.
Mr. Harrison called Alicia asking if he could apologize.
She asked me.
I said no.
Not yet.
He sent a letter instead.
Maria,
I believed the worst of you because Vanessa made it easy and because I allowed my anger to be stronger than my judgment. That is not an excuse.
I struck you. I frightened my children. I failed you as an employer and as a man.
I am sorry.
Ryan Harrison
I read it once.
Then gave it to Alicia.
“Keep it.”
May you like
Not forgiveness.
Evidence.
