Chapter 19 - THE BLOOD THAT DID NOT MATTER
Victor did not open the report immediately.
He stood beside Ethan’s bed.
The child was awake and playing with the corner of his blanket.
His injured arm rested inside a small blue cast.
Lily watched Victor’s face.
He looked more afraid of the envelope than he had looked facing armed men.
Evelyn spoke carefully.
“Grace ordered the test before she died.”
Victor opened the report.
He read the first page.
Then the second.
His expression did not change.
Lily knew the answer before he spoke.
“I am not his biological father.”
Silence filled the room.
Victor lowered himself into the chair.
Ethan reached toward him.
Victor did not move at first.
Then the child said the only word he could speak clearly.
“Dad.”
Victor closed his eyes.
He lifted Ethan with shaking hands.
The boy rested his head against Victor’s chest.
Lily looked at Evelyn.
“Who is the father?”
“The report does not identify him.”
Victor continued holding Ethan.
“It does not matter.”
Evelyn studied him.
“Jonathan may challenge custody.”
“Jonathan murdered Grace.”
“He may claim you are legally unfit.”
Victor looked toward the federal officers outside the room.
He understood the cost of protecting Ethan.
“I will testify.”
Thomas Hale stepped forward.
“Victor, full cooperation could put you in prison.”
“I know.”
“Your organization will collapse.”
“It should.”
Victor kissed Ethan’s forehead.
“My son will not inherit fear.”
Over the following months, Victor provided financial records, names, routes, and hidden accounts.
Dozens of arrests followed.
Several missing women were found alive.
Three corrupt judges resigned.
Deputy Director Cross was arrested while attempting to flee to Canada.
Jonathan Hartwell was charged with conspiracy, murder, trafficking, and financial crimes.
Adrian pleaded guilty.
Serena went to trial.
Lily testified about the abuse inside the Blackwood estate.
The jury watched the recordings.
They heard Ethan crying.
They heard Serena threatening to make Lily disappear.
Serena was convicted on every major charge.
At sentencing, she looked at Lily.
“You took everything from me.”
Lily answered quietly.
“No.”
“You threw everything away.”
Victor received a reduced sentence for his cooperation.
Before he was taken into custody, he signed temporary guardianship of Ethan to Lily.
He knelt in front of his son.
“I will come back.”
Ethan touched Victor’s face.
Lily promised she would bring him for every visit.
As guards led Victor away, Evelyn approached Lily with one more envelope.
“This arrived this morning.”
There was no return address.
Inside was a photograph of Grace holding newborn Ethan.
A man stood in the background.
May you like
Lily recognized him.
He was supposed to be dead.
