Chapter 12 - THE CHILDREN WHO HAD BEEN ERASED
The Harbor Circle did not collapse overnight.
Real monsters rarely did.
They hired attorneys.
They denied everything.
They called the ledger fake.
Then Emma's copy was authenticated.
Bank accounts matched.
Adoption records matched.
Payments matched.
Bodies were found.
Judges resigned.
Police officers were arrested.
Three children's homes closed.
St. Catherine's never reopened.
Emma testified privately.
Vincent sat outside the room for six hours.
He was not allowed inside.
Emma knew because every time the door opened, she saw him.
Same chair.
Same suit.
Same terrible coffee.
Waiting.
When Emma finished, she walked out.
Vincent stood.
“How was it?”
“Awful.”
“Do you want to go home?”
Emma stopped.
Home.
Vincent looked like he regretted the word.
Emma adjusted her backpack.
“Yes.”
He smiled.
May you like
Just a little.
They went home.
