Chapter 14 - THE MEETING
The meeting took place in an old private office.
Daniel's father sat behind a wooden desk.
He was calm.
Too calm.
Emma entered with Sarah.
Daniel followed.
The older man looked at Lily.
Then at Emma.
"You've caused quite a problem."
Emma didn't respond.
He smiled.
"I expected you to be more reasonable."
"You tried to take my daughter."
"I tried to protect my family's interests."
Emma's eyes hardened.
"She's not an investment."
He leaned back.
"Everything has a price."
Sarah placed the evidence on the desk.
"Not anymore."
His smile disappeared.
Sarah explained that the original records had been recovered.
The financial transfers had been documented.
The custody scheme had been recorded.
Victor had provided testimony.
Margaret had been identified as the person who ordered the investigation.
The man looked at Daniel.
"You betrayed your family."
Daniel finally spoke.
"No."
He looked at Emma.
"I betrayed my wife."
Then he looked at his father.
"But I'm done betraying my daughter."
The older man stood.
"You have no idea what you're doing."
Daniel shook his head.
"For the first time, I do."
Emma stepped forward.
"You used fear to control everyone around you."
The man stared at her.
"You think the police can protect you?"
Emma looked toward Sarah.
"They already are."
Two officers entered the room.
The older man froze.
Sarah handed them the evidence.
The officer informed him that he was being detained for questioning.
Margaret was also being questioned.
Daniel stepped beside Emma.
She didn't take his hand.
Not yet.
But she didn't walk away either.
As they left the building, Lily looked up.
"Mommy?"
Emma smiled.
"Yes?"
"Are we going home?"
Emma looked at her daughter.
May you like
"Yes."
But she knew their lives would never be the same.
