Chapter 14 - THE TRIALMonths passed.
The case became national news.
Marcus was convicted.
The Calder family trust was restored.
The hidden accounts were recovered.
Diane accepted responsibility for her role.
She was sentenced, but because she cooperated fully and helped dismantle the network, her sentence was reduced.
Lily visited her every weekend.
They talked about books.
Gardening.
School.
Sometimes they talked about the cellar.
Diane always said the same thing.
“I should have opened that door years ago.”
Lily would answer:
“But you didn't.”
Diane smiled sadly.
“No.”
May you like
Lily squeezed her hand.
“But I did.”
Related Stories
Chapter 15 - THE HOUSE CHANGESA year later, the Calder estate looked different.
Chapter 16 - A LETTER FROM DIANEOne spring morning, Lily received a letter.
Chapter 17 - THE SECOND CELLARThat afternoon, Lily returned to the garden.
Chapter 18 - GRANDPA'S FINAL MESSAGELily opened it.
Chapter 19 - THE VISITORA black sedan stood at the edge of the property.
Chapter 20 - THE DOOR LEFT OPENSix months later, the Calder family had begun to heal.
