Chapter 13 - The Arrest
Ethan saw the news alert before I could stop it.
UNCLE DOMINIC MORETTI ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH BIRTHDAY POISONING ATTEMPT.
He stared at tablet.
Then at me.
“Did he do it?”
I sat.
“Police think there is enough evidence to charge him.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“No.”
I breathed.
“I believe he was involved.”
Ethan’s eyes filled.
“How involved?”
“Very.”
He threw tablet across couch.
Not hard enough to break.
Then started crying.
“He held me when Mom died.”
“I know.”
“He bought my bike.”
“I know.”
“He said he loved me.”
“I know.”
“Was that fake?”
That question stayed with me forever.
“No.”
Ethan looked furious.
“How can you know?”
“I don’t.”
I corrected.
“But people can love someone and still do something terrible to them.”
“That’s stupid.”
“Yes.”
“I hate him.”
“Okay.”
“I miss him.”
“Okay.”
“I hate that.”
“I know.”
Therapy began that week.
Ethan resisted.
Then liked his therapist because Dr. Miles let him build Lego while talking.
Sophia accepted counseling for Lily too, funded by me only after she agreed on terms.
“No strings,” she said.
“No strings.”
“You don’t get to decide therapist.”
“You decide.”
“You don’t get reports unless I authorize.”
“Correct.”
She stared.
“You’re learning.”
Apparently everyone enjoyed saying that.
Gavin Mercer pleaded guilty to conspiracy and attempted murder related charges under agreement requiring testimony.
He admitted he knew by party night that the substance could cause a catastrophic allergic reaction.
His earlier “mild sickness” claim was false.
Why admit?
Messages.
Nathan had sent:
This could kill him. D says do it exactly.
Gavin replied:
Then price doubles.
There.
Intent.
He took money.
Nathan pleaded guilty to conspiracy-related offenses, obstruction, unlawful access, and corporate fraud counts connected to North Meridian.
His agreement required truth but did not guarantee light sentence.
Paul Renner faced fraud charges but prosecutors could not prove he knew the package contained harmful material.
He pleaded guilty later to financial conspiracy and evidence falsification, not attempted murder.
Important distinction.
Dominic pleaded not guilty to everything.
His defense:
Nathan and Gavin created plot, then blamed wealthy executive to save themselves.
Corporate audit was weaponized.
Allergy access was legitimate.
Searches were research after Ethan’s previous reactions.
His site conversation with Gavin was innocent.
Deleted files routine.
Revenge theory speculation.
A strong defense in pieces.
The prosecution needed links.
Then forensics recovered Dominic’s deleted calendar note:
G.P. / N.C. — DEC 14 — CASH AFTER PARTY.
Gavin Price.
Nathan Cole.
Cash after party.
Defense said G.P. could be anyone.
Nathan Cole? Many.
Then a photograph surfaced from Dominic’s cloud trash.
Gavin.
Nathan.
Dominic.
Standing in a private dining room at the Langford Hotel.
Date:
December 14.
May you like
Ten days before birthday.
No innocent explanation remained easy.
