Chapter 13 - GRANT’S VERSION OF LOVE
Grant Bennett agreed to one recorded interview with investigators before invoking broader rights.
He was magnificent.
Controlled.
Offended.
Paternal.
He denied intending injury.
Admitted touching the cigarette to Claire’s dress.
Called it “an idiotic symbolic gesture.”
Denied knowing Ryan would restrain her.
Then contradicted himself by saying Ryan “was trying to keep his wife from storming out irrationally.”
He described Claire as rigid.
Difficult.
Obsessed with separate money.
Then said:
“I loved her like a daughter.”
The detective asked:
“Do you normally burn your daughters’ clothing when they refuse financial guarantees?”
Grant stopped.
The interview became less elegant after that.
Then investigators asked about Diane’s forged trust signature.
Grant denied involvement.
Asked about the archive room.
“Family administration.”
Asked about Claire’s fertility records.
“Ryan left them.”
“Why keep them?”
“No idea.”
Asked about the marital incapacity draft.
Grant leaned back.
“That was planning.”
“For what?”
“Contingencies.”
“If Claire became medically incapacitated?”
“Yes.”
“Was she aware?”
“No.”
Grant looked irritated by the implication.
“I was trying to protect the family.”
That phrase became his shield.
Family.
Company.
Jobs.
Grandchildren.
Everything Grant wanted wore the costume of protection.
Maya later told Claire:
“Be careful. He may believe himself.”
Claire nodded.
That was more dangerous than a liar who knew.
Grant’s worldview had no category for coercion if the goal was family continuity.
Consent was ideal.
Compliance was acceptable.
Resistance was selfish.
Force became unfortunate necessity.
Claire thought of the cigarette.
Not rage.
Correction.
May you like
She understood now.
And understanding made forgiveness less likely, not more.
