Chapter 13 - THOMAS SPEAKS
Thomas took the stand against advice.
He believed confidence could still control the room.
He described himself as a builder.
Employer.
Father.
Man under pressure.
He admitted the affair but denied fraud.
Admitted hitting Rebecca but called it panic.
Admitted threatening Daniel but called it discipline.
Admitted using Helen’s signatures but said she understood.
Every crime became an emotional misunderstanding.
The prosecutor approached with the pension ledger.
“Who moved this money?”
“My finance team.”
“Who approved Mercer Consulting?”
“I did.”
“What services did Julia provide?”
Thomas hesitated.
“Strategic guidance.”
“What written work?”
Silence.
The prosecutor played his call with Julia.
“The old people’s money cleared.”
Thomas said it was a joke.
Then the Dr. Price recording.
“Make evidence part of the delusion.”
Thomas said it referred to marketing.
Then the garage sentence.
“I hit her because she wouldn’t stop telling the truth.”
The prosecutor asked, “What truth?”
Thomas stared at Rebecca.
No answer.
The prosecutor stepped closer.
“You spent years teaching your family that truth belonged to the person strong enough to punish everyone else.”
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Then she faced the jury.
“The camera disagreed.”
