Chapter 11 - THE MONEY THEY COULD HAVE HAD
After the second broadcast, public opinion turned violently against Robert and Linda.
Emily hated that too.
Strangers sent threats.
Called Linda a monster.
Robert a parasite.
Emily issued a statement:
Do not harass them. Their conduct does not give anyone permission to threaten them.
Some people accused Emily of defending them.
She ignored it.
Then something unexpected happened.
Robert’s creditors offered settlements after the publicity exposed his finances.
He could have reduced nearly $200,000 in debt.
But he needed cash.
He asked Emily through attorneys for a loan.
Not a gift.
$250,000.
Secured by the house.
Rachel looked at Emily.
“You are legally allowed to say yes.”
Emily laughed.
“I know.”
“Do you want to?”
“No.”
Then Linda separately asked for $12,000.
Why?
Not debt.
Therapy.
She wanted long-term trauma counseling and could not afford the provider she chose.
Emily stared at the request.
This was harder.
Money can be simple when the person asking is obviously greedy.
Complicated when the need is real.
Rachel asked:
“What do you want?”
Emily answered:
“I don’t know.”
Then she remembered Susan Carter.
Her adoptive mother never told her:
Good children take care of parents.
Susan said:
Help people when you choose to, not because they define you as cruel if you refuse.
Emily offered Linda one thing.
A list of lower-cost trauma resources.
No payment.
Linda replied:
I understand.
Robert sent:
Coldhearted.
The difference between them was becoming clearer.
Linda wanted access.
May you like
Robert wanted leverage.
Neither automatically deserved either.
