Chapter 9
“You didn't know he was going to do this.”
I shook my head.
“I ignored so many things.”
Megan looked at me.
“You recognized that the marriage wasn't healthy, and you left. Then you heard something dangerous, and you acted.”
I closed my eyes.
She continued.
“That's why we're both here.”
The criminal proceedings moved slowly.
There were hearings, evidentiary questions, and lengthy discussions between attorneys.
I learned more about the legal system than I ever wanted to know.
I also learned that being the victim of a serious crime doesn't mean receiving immediate answers or perfect closure.
Some evidence was clear.
Other evidence was disputed.
And certain details remained uncertain even after extensive investigation.
But the case against Logan was serious.
The vehicle examination, his communications, financial records, witness testimony, and other evidence formed the basis of the prosecution.
During that period, I obtained legal protection and made practical changes to my life.
I changed my passwords.
I separated my financial accounts.
I reviewed my insurance policies and beneficiary designations.
I arranged for my belongings to be recovered from the house through safe, documented procedures.
And I began the process of ending my marriage.
Rebecca helped me address the property and financial issues without allowing Logan to use them as another means of control.
Carolyn contacted me repeatedly.
At first, she was furious.
She accused me of destroying Logan's reputation.
She insisted that he would never hurt anyone.
And she demanded that I withdraw my statements.
I didn't respond.
Then, as more information emerged, her messages changed.
She began asking whether I thought Logan was mentally unwell.
She wanted to know whether the entire matter could be handled privately.
She said the Pierce family had already suffered enough public embarrassment.
I read the messages and felt a familiar exhaustion.
Even now, Carolyn seemed more concerned about appearances than about what had nearly happened to Megan and me.
One afternoon, she called Rebecca's office and asked to speak with me.
Rebecca relayed the request.
I considered it.
Then I declined.
I didn't owe Carolyn a conversation.
And I certainly didn't owe her the opportunity to persuade me that protecting her son's reputation was more important than protecting my life.
Samuel's reaction was different.
He sent me a letter.
He wrote that he was horrified by what had happened and deeply ashamed of Logan's conduct.
He apologized for the financial disputes that had contributed to the situation, although he acknowledged that those disputes did not excuse Logan's choices.