Chapter 8 - Victoria’s Version
Victoria presented herself as frightened wife.
She said Julian controlled finances.
Julian controlled Chloe.
Julian bought caskets.
She merely followed because she feared him.
That story contained problems.
Her phone contained vendor invoices.
Her laptop held forged death certificate.
Her email ordered the child-sized casket.
Her payment card rented Wisconsin house.
Her handwriting appeared on my obituary draft.
And security video showed her helping secure Chloe’s restraint.
Still, prosecutors examined coercion claim seriously.
Domestic abuse can coexist with criminal participation.
Investigators reviewed messages.
Did Julian threaten Victoria?
Yes, sometimes.
He called her stupid.
Controlled some money.
Once punched cabinet near her.
No evidence he forced her to commit fraud or participate in Chloe’s fake death under immediate threat.
Other messages showed partnership.
VICTORIA:
If E comes tomorrow she will want to touch Chloe.
JULIAN:
Keep lid locked.
VICTORIA:
What if she insists?
JULIAN:
Make her leave.
VICTORIA:
Or use the second plan.
Second plan.
The adult casket.
Another:
VICTORIA:
Once trust closes we replace everything before audit finishes.
JULIAN:
How fast?
VICTORIA:
Estate attorney says distribution won’t be instant.
JULIAN:
You said it would.
VICTORIA:
Then we need more time.
They knew their plan was failing before the wake.
That increased danger.
May you like
They had staged a death without even securing money.
Desperation was escalating.
