Chapter 10 - FRANK TRIES TO SAVE RACHEL
Frank offered the strongest family defense.
He argued Haley had benefited.
Her grades improved.
She became less withdrawn after Michael’s death.
She joined a school club.
She slept alone more consistently.
Some of that was true.
Frank said:
“Rachel helped that child.”
Danny answered:
“She also threw her into a pool.”
“One bad judgment does not erase two years.”
“No.”
That answer surprised him.
Danny continued:
“And two years of help do not erase one act either.”
Frank looked away.
Then:
“You hate needing family.”
Danny stopped.
He was right.
After Michael died, Danny refused money from her parents.
Refused to move home.
Refused Frank’s offer to manage the trust communication.
She wanted independence.
That made it easier for Rachel to become the “helpful aunt” working through the trust without Danny asking enough questions.
Frank said:
“You left a vacuum.”
Danny replied:
May you like
“A vacuum is not permission.”
Again, both truths could exist.
