Chapter 7 - The Million Dollar Bribe
Word of Clara’s annulment hit my parents like a devastating earthquake.
They were suddenly losing their precious social standing in the Chicago elite.
They were losing the wealthy corporate connections Clara’s family had provided.
Desperation quickly began to replace their overwhelming arrogance.
It was Wednesday afternoon when my father’s black Mercedes pulled into my driveway.
I watched through the blinds as he and my mother marched up to the door.
I grabbed a digital audio recorder from my desk drawer.
I pressed the red record button and slipped the device into my cardigan pocket.
I stepped outside, pulling the front door firmly shut behind me.
"You are not coming inside my house," I stated firmly.
My mother forced a sickeningly sweet smile onto her perfectly tightened face.
"Evelyn, darling, we just want to talk about fixing this terrible mess."
"The media is starting to ask questions about Preston's sudden absence from the firm."
My father didn't bother with fake pleasantries.
He pulled a sleek leather checkbook from his tailored suit jacket.
"We are prepared to offer you two million dollars," he declared flatly.
"Tax-free, deposited directly into an offshore account of your choosing."
"All you have to do is retract your statement to Detective Miller."
"Tell them the camera angle was deceptive."
"Tell them you provoked your brother and it was a mutual altercation."
I looked at my father, feeling a deep, physical disgust churning in my stomach.
"You want me to lie to the police."
"You want me to take the blame for the man who nearly killed my child."
My mother sighed, waving her diamond-ringed hand dismissively.
"Sophie will heal, Evelyn."
"But Preston’s career will not survive a felony conviction."
"Take the money and secure your daughter's college fund."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the blinking digital recorder.
My parents stared at the little device as the color drained from their faces.
"Witness tampering and attempting to bribe a victim are severe felonies," I said softly.
"Detective Miller is going to find this recording absolutely fascinating."
My father lunged forward in a blind panic, trying to snatch the device.
I stepped back instantly, raising my free hand to stop him.
"Touch me, and I will have you arrested for assault before the sun sets."
"You chose your golden child."
May you like
"Now you get to watch him burn."
I turned around, unlocked my door, and slammed it directly in their faces.
