Charles Without the Company
Chapter 16 - Charles Without the Company
Charles pleaded guilty to several fraud and obstruction charges.
His age and declining health reduced his prison term, but the court ordered full asset forfeiture.
He lived in a monitored residential facility.
Months passed before Thomas requested a visit.
Rose did not encourage or forbid it.
They met in a plain room with two chairs and no family portraits.
Charles looked smaller without a desk.
“I loved you,” he told Thomas.
“You loved controlling where I lived.”
“I thought the family would collapse.”
“It did.”
Charles looked down.
Thomas asked one question.
“Did you ever think Rose was my mother when she tucked me in?”
Charles’s voice weakened.
“Every night.”
That answer hurt more than denial.
Thomas ended the visit.
He did not promise another.
Outside, Rose waited.
May you like
He took her hand.
They went home.
