Chapter 13 - The Groom’s Final Bargain
Wade offered prosecutors a deal.
He would reveal the location of stolen weapons and military funds in exchange for reduced charges.
But he demanded protection for one person.
Diane.
Dad believed this proved Wade still loved her.
Thomas disagreed.
“He needs her quiet.”
Wade claimed Diane ordered Emma’s murder.
Diane claimed Wade acted alone.
Marcus blamed both.
Nolan offered video footage proving the truth.
The wedding photographer had recorded secret meetings for insurance.
His camera archive showed Wade and Marcus arguing in the basement five years earlier.
Emma stood between them.
She held the financial ledger.
Diane entered during the confrontation.
Emma gave the ledger to her.
“Take Ava and run,” she said.
Diane promised.
Then Marcus grabbed Emma.
Wade raised a gun.
Diane ran upstairs.
She heard the shot.
She did not call police.
She hid the ledger and returned later to help clean the room.
Wade buried Emma.
Diane watched.
She had not ordered the murder.
But she abandoned Emma after promising to save her.
The ledger remained hidden for years in my phone because Diane transferred it to an encrypted device when Wade began searching the house.
She gave me the phone without explaining.
She hoped I would leave with it if the wedding went wrong.
She also hoped I would never open it.
That was the pattern of her entire life.
Half a rescue.
Half a truth.
Always enough to ease her conscience.
Never enough to stop the harm.
Wade’s bargain was rejected.
He faced murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, assault, and weapons trafficking.
Before officers removed him, he looked at me.
“You hit exactly like your mother.”
I answered calmly.
“Emma fought back?”
May you like
His expression changed.
That was all I needed.
