Chapter 16 - Charles Makes an Offer
Charles visited Walter’s house two days later.
He arrived without reporters or attorneys.
Grace and the puppies were still at the clinic.
Walter invited him into the kitchen but did not offer coffee.
Charles placed an envelope on the table.
It contained enough money to cover every veterinary bill.
Walter pushed it back.
“The clinic has a donation fund.”
“I want to help.”
“You want this quiet.”
Charles denied it.
Walter looked at him.
“You offered ten thousand dollars when Grace disappeared. Now you offer more because she came back with evidence.”
Charles’s jaw tightened.
“I made a mistake.”
“You made a decision.”
Charles admitted the county contract could collapse if the breeding operation became public.
Thousands of workers might lose jobs.
Walter asked how many dogs had suffered to protect those jobs.
Charles could not answer.
Walter handed back the envelope.
“Pay the clinic openly. Put your name on it.”
May you like
Charles hesitated.
That hesitation told Walter everything.
