Chapter 12 - HELEN ON THE STAND
Helen wore beige.
The same color as the sweater in the garage.
She looked older.
Thomas did not look at her.
The prosecutor asked about the assault.
“I watched.”
“Did you intervene?”
“No.”
“What did you do?”
“I spat at Rebecca.”
“Why?”
“Because believing Thomas felt safer than believing my life was false.”
The answer landed heavily.
The prosecutor asked about the signatures.
Helen admitted some were real.
She signed without reading.
Others were forged.
She ignored irregularities.
The defense attacked her.
“You are blaming your husband to avoid prison.”
“I am accepting that I helped him.”
“You loved him.”
“Yes.”
“He provided for you.”
“With money he stole.”
“You stayed thirty-five years.”
“Yes.”
“So either you approved, or you are lying now.”
Helen looked toward Rebecca.
“Staying is not proof of approval. But it is part of my responsibility.”
Thomas finally looked at her.
Not love.
Betrayal.
May you like
Helen saw it.
For the first time, she did not look away.
