Chapter 8 - The Trial No Camera SawFour months later, winter covered Chicago.
The criminal case became national news.
Daniel refused most interviews.
Celeste pleaded guilty to child endangerment, attempted fraud, conspiracy, and coercion of a vulnerable adult.
Richard Vale faced additional financial crimes.
Adrian accepted a plea agreement.
None received sympathy from Daniel.
But he discovered anger could not raise children.
Routine could.
Breakfast.
School.
Homework.
Movie nights.
Therapy.
Ethan struggled with sudden noises.
Lily stopped sleeping alone for several weeks.
Daniel moved a chair beside her bed each night until she fell asleep.
One evening she opened her eyes.
“Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“Are bad people always bad?”
Daniel considered the question.
“No.”
“Then why did Celeste become bad?”
“I don't know if people become one thing forever.”
“Do you hate her?”
Daniel looked at his daughter's small face.
“I hate what she did.”
“That's different?”
“Yes.”
Lily thought about it.
May you like
Then went back to sleep.
Daniel sat beside her for another hour.
