Chapter 8 - The Son on the Stand
Brendan testified for nearly six hours.
He admitted his own negligence.
He admitted signing documents without sufficient review.
He admitted benefiting professionally from his father's influence.
Richard's attorney attacked him mercilessly.
“Isn't it true you are testifying because your former wife controls Halcyon Global?”
“No.”
“Isn't it true you hope Ms. Mercer will restore your career?”
“No.”
“Isn't it true you're still in love with her?”
The courtroom became silent.
Brendan looked at me.
“Yes.”
My heart tightened.
The attorney smiled.
“So you would say almost anything to regain her affection.”
Brendan shook his head.
“No.”
“Why should this jury believe that?”
“Because loving Evelyn is exactly why I know I don't deserve her back.”
The attorney's smile disappeared.
Brendan continued.
“I betrayed her. I humiliated her. I cheated while she was pregnant. I laughed when my mother degraded her. If Evelyn never forgives me, she has every reason not to. I'm here because my father committed crimes, and pretending otherwise won't make me a better father to my daughter.”
Nobody moved.
Richard stared at his son.
Brendan stared back.
Then prosecutors played the phone call Richard made after Blackbird was discovered.
Richard's voice filled the courtroom.
If Mercer keeps digging into that accident, she'll regret it.
That sentence destroyed the defense more effectively than any dramatic speech could.
The jury heard fear.
They heard knowledge.
Most importantly, they heard Richard connect me to my father's death before the full evidence had become public.
The verdict came four days later.
Guilty on the major fraud counts.
Additional proceedings concerning my father's death followed, supported by Paul’s testimony and financial evidence.
Richard Morrison would not return to the life he once ruled.
Outside the courthouse, reporters shouted questions.
I said only:
“My father believed companies should serve people, not become weapons for powerful people. Halcyon will spend the coming years earning that principle again.”
Then I walked away.
May you like
Brendan did not follow.
That was another sign he was changing.
