Chapter 8 - THE PRICE OF SILENCE
The SUV pulled away before we could read its plate.
Maya told me not to chase it.
I obeyed, though every part of me wanted to run after the answers.
That afternoon, Martin asked for a meeting through his attorney.
The proposed location was a private conference room in downtown Los Angeles.
Maya insisted on attending.
Martin arrived with a neat folder and a smile that did not reach his eyes.
He talked about reputational damage and family healing.
Then he slid a document across the table.
It offered to release the alleged guarantee if I signed a broad confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement.
I read the first page.
The agreement also required me to retract any public statement about the airport assault and withdraw my cooperation in related matters to the extent legally permissible.
I looked up.
You want me to buy my freedom by lying.
Martin's smile disappeared.
He said the public had misunderstood a stressful family dispute.
Maya asked whether he had authority to bind the lender.
He did not answer directly.
I asked why he was so concerned about an assault he had not witnessed.
He told me I had always been stubborn.
That was when I understood he wasn't negotiating with an adult client.
He was speaking as one of the men who had watched my father control me for years.
Maya slid the document back.
We'll respond in writing, she said.
Martin leaned forward.
You may want to consider how embarrassing this could become for your employer.
I smiled, though I was frightened.
My employer knows what happened.
Denise had already placed the forged-guarantee allegation with outside counsel for review.
I hadn't hidden it.
There was nothing left for Martin to threaten with the mere existence of a document.
At the elevator, he said quietly that my grandmother had been difficult near the end.
I turned.
What does that mean?
He studied me.
Some people lose perspective when they get older.
I stepped toward him.
Did she lose perspective before or after your company began receiving her money?
For the first time, Martin looked genuinely surprised.
Maya touched my elbow, signaling that we should leave.
When the elevator doors closed, my phone rang.
It was Chloe.
She was crying so hard I could barely understand her.
Olivia, she whispered, I need you to come get me.
Why?
Because Dad found out I went into your apartment.
May you like
And he says if I tell you why, he'll make sure I lose everything.
