“He rescued you.”
Michael stopped.
I had not planned to say what came next.
“When your construction company failed six years ago, your father covered payroll so twelve employees could receive their wages before Christmas.”
Rachel stared at Michael.
“What?”
“When you had tax problems, Henry paid the attorney. When you lost forty-three thousand dollars trading options, he covered your mortgage because Rachel was pregnant.”
Rachel whispered, “You told me your company gave you a bonus.”
Michael grabbed her arm.
“Sit down.”
She pulled free.
“You told me you paid that mortgage yourself.”
A deputy moved between them.
In that moment, I realized their marriage had been constructed from the same material as their case against me.
Edited truths.
Selective memories.
Invented explanations.
Michael convinced Rachel I was selfishly hoarding money.
Rachel convinced herself that forcing an elderly widow out of her house was practical.
Each lie made the next easier.
