Chapter 24 - The Last Record
A decade after basin night, Fairfax? we set Richmond area, so county digital archive upgraded and sent notice to property parties? We had sold. Still could get notice? maybe old record. Better Hannah contacted because old case archive eligible for destruction.
Hannah’s successor emailed:
We are closing your archived litigation file. Do you want personal copies of preserved dining camera footage?
I stared.
I had not watched full clip in years.
Noah asked:
“What do you want?”
“I don’t know.”
We watched one segment.
Not basin.
The minute after police call.
I stood alone near fireplace.
Hands shaking.
The camera saw something I never remembered.
I touched my wrist.
Then whispered to myself:
“Don’t back down.”
No audience.
No performance.
Just me.
I cried.
Then told attorney:
“Destroy firm copy according to retention rules after confirming court/police records are closed.”
They did.
The official case records remained as required.
My personal copy deleted.
No need carry it forever.
Everything legal was already resolved.
Title released.
House sold.
Divorce final.
Criminal sentences complete.
Restitution complete.
Protective orders expired without violations.
Mercer business independent.
Diane dead.
Brooke living her life.
Evan living his.
No hidden claim.
May you like
No sequel.
One more chapter remained because ending needed to belong to me, not them.
