Chapter 12 - Rebecca’s Question
Rebecca had known something was wrong.
Not enough.
But more than I did.
Her cancer files included an old notebook.
I found it years after, in a box June brought from storage.
One page dated when June was three.
JUNE BLOODWORK—B+?
Then:
Ethan O+, me O+.
Ask Dr. Mason.
My chest tightened.
She had noticed blood type too.
Then:
Mom says hospital typed wrong at birth.
Mom meant Helen.
Rebecca asked Helen.
Of course.
Next page:
Helen got angry. Said I’m obsessed because of miscarriage history.
We had one miscarriage before June.
I had forgotten argument.
Then:
Ethan says let it go unless pediatrician worries.
There.
My failure.
Not malicious.
But there.
Then:
Second bracelet still bugs me.
Then:
Requested Mercy Ridge records.
Then no further.
Cancer diagnosis three months later.
Life changed.
She stopped investigating.
One final note:
If June ever needs genetic testing, tell Ethan to check.
She had intended.
Maybe never got chance.
Or thought I'd remember.
I did not.
I sat with notebook for hours.
June found.
“Dad?”
I showed.
She read.
“Mom knew?”
“Suspected.”
“She thought I wasn't hers?”
“She questioned records.”
June’s eyes filled.
“Did she love me after?”
“Every second.”
“How know?”
“Because I was there.”
Then:
“Would she be mad you didn’t listen?”
“Yes.”
I smiled sadly.
“She’d tell me I’m idiot.”
June laughed through tears.
Rebecca never got truth.
But she had trusted her instinct.
I had prioritized normal explanation.
That became lesson not obsession.
When June said something felt wrong, I listened.
Not automatically believed every interpretation.
But listened.
Then Blake trial preparations.
His defense suggested accident and paternal panic.
They could not deny paternity.
Could they argue taking own biological child was not kidnapping?
Megan had sole legal custody; Blake unacknowledged. State laws complicated. Prosecutors charged unlawful child concealment/abduction, custody interference conspiracy, evidence tampering, and fraud rather than relying solely kidnapping label.
The homicide count:
Vehicular manslaughter based on reckless driving.
No BAC.
No proof intentional.
Phone records showed call/text activity at 1:19.
Impact around 1:20.
Could support distracted driving.
His own statement:
“I looked at phone.”
Then leaving scene.
Homicide statute no limitation.
Leaving scene statute? prosecutors evaluated limitation exceptions/continuing concealment. Some old traffic charges unavailable. They did not pretend otherwise.
Then Richard/Helen plea offers.
Richard wanted probation due age.
State wanted incarceration.
Helen refused responsibility for Megan:
“I wasn’t driving.”
True.
But she concealed infant.
Then June asked:
“What happens if Blake dies in prison?”
“He’s not convicted yet.”
“I know.”
“Why ask?”
“Would I feel bad?”
“I don't know.”
“I don’t want to.”
“You don’t control future feeling.”
She hated that.
Then:
“Do you hate him?”
“Yes.”
I answered.
“Still?”
“Yes.”
“Is that bad?”
“No.”
Then:
“Do you hate Grandpa?”
I thought.
“More complicated.”
“Grandma?”
“Also.”
She sighed.
“Adults are annoying.”
Correct.
Then board matters.
Blue Ridge integrated Carter service division.
We renamed:
Blue Ridge Service Group.
Not Carter.
Employees voted? Branding management decision.
Some long-time Carter techs resented.
I met.
“This isn’t about family feud. Your jobs and seniority remain.”
One asked:
“Are you gonna shut construction side down?”
“No. I don’t own it.”
Good.
Carter Mechanical construction division continued under independent CEO.
Richard/Helen/Blake shares remained in holding company.
But legal fees, lender demands, lost bids reduced value.
They suffered financially through consequences and mismanagement, not my revenge.
Then Richard tried contacting June through lawyer.
Letter:
I have loved you since you were a baby.
June refused.
At seventeen, maybe later.
No.
Helen sent birthday card to her old wrong birthday.
June returned.
On true birthday, Anna sent flowers.
June kept.
The calendar itself had become choice.
Then Blake accepted plea negotiations.
Why?
One witness emerged.
Mercer Collision owner’s son found old photograph from shop.
Black Escalade.
Front grille crushed.
Date stamped morning after Megan died.
Work order customer:
R. CARTER.
Note:
NO INSURANCE CLAIM.
That closed vehicle link.
May you like
Blake knew trial risk.
And for first time, the golden son was going to stand before a judge without Richard able to rewrite the rules.
