investigating Northbridge,” he said.
“I suspected.”
“You never trusted me enough to tell me about the locker.”
“I did not trust anyone enough.”
Jason’s expression tightened.
“That is not better.”
“No.”
Ethan kept his hand extended.
“I’m sorry.”
Jason looked toward Vivian.
Then toward me.
Finally, he took Ethan’s hand.
“Your grip is weak.”
“I was unconscious for nine months.”
“Excuses already.”
But he did not let go immediately.
Three months later, the Thornton Foundation reopened the Queens health center under a new charter.
No family member held sole authority over its funds.
My father joined its financial oversight committee, working alongside outside auditors and patient advocates. He accepted the role only after I told him that clearing his name did not mean returning to the man he had been.
“You have to become someone who tells the truth before he is cornered,” I said.
He nodded.
