Chapter 8 - Travis
Travis avoided prison on the most serious witness-related exposure by cooperating with state investigators.
People criticized that.
I understood why.
He had threatened Mark.
He knew Dad’s history was ugly.
He cared more about inheritance than Lily.
But prosecutors used him to expose officials who had accepted favors and interfered with complaints.
Several lost jobs.
Deputy Miller was convicted on corruption-related charges.
Travis entered a structured diversion and probation program on lesser counts.
Our relationship ended anyway.
Three years later, he wrote.
I’m sorry about what happened to Lily.
I did not answer.
Six months later another letter came.
Different.
I threatened Mark because I was terrified the video would cost me money.
I kept reading.
I knew Dad was dangerous. Not everything. Enough.
Then:
When Lily fell, I looked at the camera before I looked at her.
That sentence mattered.
He continued:
I have spent three years trying to understand what kind of person does that. The answer is: the person I was.
No Dad made me.
No Mom manipulated me.
No family pressure.
The person I was.
I wrote back:
Keep doing the work even if Lily never wants to know you.
His response:
I will.
Change does not purchase access.
May you like
But I hoped he changed anyway.
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