What the Crash Report Didn't Say
Chapter 14 - What the Crash Report Didn't Say
The review of Elena's death uncovered irregularities in the original investigation: a damaged camera near the service road, inconsistent witness times, and maintenance records that did not fully explain the vehicle's condition.
None was conclusive on its own. Adrian had learned to distrust the urge to fill every silence with certainty. He wanted the truth, not a convenient villain.
The authorities eventually found a former contractor who admitted transporting documents for Vincent around the period of the crash. He said he had been told to retrieve a folder from Elena's office. He denied being involved with her vehicle.
Separately, independent experts examined the original mechanical evidence. Some parts were no longer available. The limits of the investigation were real, and Adrian could not buy his way around them.
At home, Lucia began having fewer nightmares. Dr. Pierce taught Adrian to respond to distress with predictable routines. They ate breakfast together, visited the park each Saturday, and read stories before bed. Whenever Adrian had to travel, he explained when he'd be back and arranged calls at times Lucia could count on.
Hannah sometimes joined them for outings, but she kept her own work and life. She had accepted a position at a family-owned café with better hours and a manager who treated staff with respect. Ben was nearing graduation.
One afternoon Adrian asked whether she would consider helping with a children's literacy program he wanted to fund in Elena's memory.
“Why me?” Hannah asked.
“Because you know the difference between helping someone and expecting gratitude.”
She thought about it. “I might. But I'd want qualified educators making the decisions.”
He smiled. “I was hoping you'd say that.”
Later that evening, Miriam called with a development: the attorney who had originally handled Lucia's trust had found a signed memorandum from Elena. It said Vincent was not to receive discretionary authority over the child's assets.
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Adrian sat quietly with the document in his hand.
Elena had tried to protect Lucia before either of them knew how much protection she might need.
