The second big event is the arrest of Dr. Dickenson and the closing down of Willowbrook. The staff, including the ones who’d been employed during my admission, were charged with fraud, assault, and the intention to do serious bodily harm. After Carte Blanche had received an anonymous tip-off, one of their investigative reporters went in under cover with a hidden camera. The story made international news, resulting in an investigation and the uncovering of a hideous and cruel institution. It’s a scandal the country won’t live down for a long time.
After giving it much thought, I decide it’s time for the world to know the truth or at least a part of it. In an exclusive television interview, I tell what happened at Willowbrook. I tell the truth about how Harold framed Damian and stole his discovery, and how Damian went to jail innocently while I was pawned off to Jack in exchange for the mining rights. I tell the world about my imprisonment and torture, and that I shot Jack. My lawyer advised me against it, but it was part of the weight I needed to get off my chest.
An investigation that takes several days follows. In the end, the judges and psychologist who attended my hearing decide I had indeed not been responsible for my actions at the time, and no charges are laid. Reyno testified to my treatment and recovery, stating I’m a capable mother and no threat to society or myself. What I don’t talk about is Zane’s kidnapping and how Damian forced me into marriage. We’ve done him enough harm. I’m not going to send him to jail for a second time. He did what he did because he loves me. Since I told the truth about Jack and Harold, the media speculated that Dora’s suicide was due to her burden of guilt. A few weeks later, the investigation into Zane and Anne’s murders are closed due to a lack of evidence.
I take my time to settle in with Josh. I take my time to enjoy my autonomy and independence. The situation is new to all of us. We need time to adapt. I spend every free moment with Josh, reveling at the wonder of him, and when he’s in bed at night, I ask Susan to tell me stories about him.
Reyno offers me a contract, a real one for a real job that comes with health and retirement benefits. The day I sign it is one of the happiest of my life. It’s good to earn my own money. It’s good to figure out what I like, and to decorate a house that’s ours. I get my driver’s license and buy a car. When winter changes into spring, I plant sweet peas and daisies in the garden.
Life on the water is everything I’ve dreamt of. Susan, Josh, and I take our small boat out on weekends. Who would’ve guessed I’d enjoy fishing? I make friends with our neighbors, and Josh has plenty of play dates. People still recognize me wherever I go, but the novelty of being stared at is wearing off. I’m getting better at coping with it and diverting the curious questions.
Sometimes, I get the feeling someone is watching me. A few times, I notice men trailing me in traffic or shopping malls. I know they’re Damian’s men. He’s become a powerful man. He has alliances in all the right places, including the law enforcement department. During all the time I’m making a home for Josh and a new life for myself, there’s no news from him, not even a phone call. I keep in touch with Brink, who tells me Damian is living alone in the big house, throwing himself into work. When the longing gets too much, I call Fouché, who tells me Damian is doing fine. I can’t help myself from asking if he has someone new in his life. According to Fouché, every single woman, widow, and gold digger is running after him, but he’s not seeing anyone. The news warms my heart. I haven’t signed the divorce papers. I still have a chance.
Three months after Russell brought me home from the hospital, a man in a blue suit knocks on my door. It’s a sunny Saturday morning. Josh is playing with his new train in the backyard while I’m baking scones for breakfast. Susan gets the door and tells me a messenger wants to see me.
Wiping my hands on my apron, I meet the man at the door. “Can I help you?”
His manner is curt and professional. “I’m here on Mr. Hart’s request, ma’am.”
“Yes?” I say, even if I already know what the visit is about.
“He would like for you to sign the divorce papers.”
“Thank you for letting me know, but you didn’t have to drive all the way out here just to tell me this.”