Chapter 9 - Tobias Voss Came Home in Handcuffs
New charges transferred Tobias from federal prison into Detroit court. He looked nothing like criminal mastermind. Seventy, white hair, expensive lawyer, grandfatherly smile.
He saw Harlan and said, “You finally became sentimental.”
Harlan did not react.
Tobias saw me.
“Callaway girl.”
“My name is Rue.”
“Your grandfather had no courage.”
“He had enough to leave your family.”
Smile vanished.
During trial, Camille’s ledgers, Vanessa recordings, Eleanor testimony, Everett cooperation, and Celia plea created overwhelming case. Tobias had orchestrated theft and later cover-up. Evidence suggested he approved tampering with Vanessa’s car, though direct murder charge remained difficult.
Harlan struggled with that.
“He killed her.”
“Maybe.”
“He did.”
“Then let court prove what it can.”
“You sound like Warren.”
“Terrifying.”
He smiled weakly.
Tobias received decades on financial conspiracy and witness intimidation enhancements.
Not perfect justice.
Real justice rarely feels theatrical.
Celia received reduced sentence and treatment after cooperation.
Belle eventually sent her one drawing.
Harlan disagreed.
Allowed anyway.
“She kidnapped you,” he told Belle.
“She also said sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t erase.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
Belle shrugged.
May you like
“I don’t want hate in my backpack.”
Harlan cried later where she couldn’t see.
