Page 38 of Gauntlet


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“The doctor refused the bribe, and when that didn’t work, Mr Wellspring threatened his family. Luckily for us, the doc took recordings, and we have them. The guy has been sitting on this evidence, not sure what to do with it. Juno Group has now provided him and his kids with protection, and he’s given over your initial file and the threats. Even better, there are pictures of your injuries which confirm the prisons report. This means no defender will be able to rip that apart.

“Second, three nurses have come forward after the doctor spoke to them and also handed in statements. At the time, the doc asked them to write and keep them hidden. None accepted a bribe, and all were threatened. The second doc, who fucked you over, did indeed accept a bribe, and we have evidence of that. His evidence, which helped put you away, is at odds with the findings of the first doc and prison doctor. An extremely large bonus ended up in his account, and he was promoted three months later. Not that he is skilled at his job by a long shot. He’s classed as average, and nobody understands how he got his position.”

“Damn!” Gauntlet exclaimed as I sat there mute.

“The first doc also examined Cordelia and recorded her as three times over the limit. That fact appeared in the second doctor’s notes but disappeared for the court case. One of the nurses photocopied everything in the file before it was amended, so we also have that evidence.

“We have the testimony of a retired officer who investigated the incident. Officer Dewman claimed something was wrong at the time because the seat was too far back for Amberlea to be driving. He had images before she was removed, and you can clearly see it. Her feet wouldn’t reach the pedals. When Dewman brought this up, he was bust down to beat the cop, with a clear warning he didn’t know what he was saying. Again, he kept his notes and photos and was shocked to hear you’d gone down for the accident. Dewman tried raising the issue and ended up being denied a promotion he’d been promised.

“After realising what was happening, he kept his evidence somewhere safe and planned to announce it when he retired. Which was three weeks ago. He was planning to see a lawyer in a couple of weeks and even had the appointment already. Dewman’s more than happy to take the stand.

“And then we have this,” Simone announced and hit play on her phone.

“I like you, girl!” a drunken giggle sounded. I frowned. I did not recognise that voice.

“Me too, Bella!” Cordelia exclaimed, sounding just as drunk. Pain lashed through me, and I bent over at hearing her voice. She didn’t sound any different.

“Bartender, more shots!” Bella yelled.

“Lot’s more. Bella and I are celebrating,” Cordelia slurred.

“Shh told ya that in confidence,” Bella chastised.

“Here, I’ll give you a secret. Ten years ago, I was in a car accident. Killed some dumb bitch. But I set another one up, and Amberlea’s been inside doing my time for me like a good little peon. Even better, I stole her boyfriend and turned Abbi’s family against her.” Cordelia chuckled. My eyes widened in disbelief as Simone nodded.

“No freaking way! That is hardcore shit! Respect!” Bella crowed.

“See, girl; I can’t tell on you!” Cordelia slurred again.

“Nope, you send me down, I’ll send you. But damn, that crap makes me seem like a pussy,” Bella replied.

“Weren’t too hard. Daddy threw bribes at people, and those who were so damned up their ass, he blackmailed. There was this doc and cop. Daddy kept the officer from being promoted.”

“Your dad is the dude!” Bella said admiringly.

“And he threatened that dumb doctor to kill his kids. Man shit his pants and destroyed the file, which showed Amberlea was innocent. She thought she was all that; well, I proved her wrong.”

“What ya gonna do when she gets out?” Bella asked.

“Bitch is already out. I have had ten years to grow the hate inside my husband and his stupid fucking mate. They’ll go hunting her, and somehow Amberlea will end up hurt and dead. Just the last piece to fall into place. And then I’ve won. Taken everything from her. Took Abbi, Amberlea’s best friend, Jax, Arlo, Mr Cask, her reputation, future, and her daughter. Little brat got herself kidnapped.” Cordelia grinned sloppily.

“No way!” Bella exclaimed.

“Yes. Even better, it looked like Amberlea did it herself, but I think Daddy did it and drowned the child. Shit, can you imagine me as a stepmom? I would have killed the damn thing before a year was out,” Cordelia spat with clear venom.

“Bitch, you’re hardcore. Make my crime seem like pussy,” Bella cried as she chuckled. “More shots!” she yelled.

Several minutes passed before Bella asked, “This is our secret, right?”

“Sure. Even if you told, I’d have my father destroy you within the hour.” Cordelia laughed. “He’s bribed one judge to ensure that bitch went down. He can bribe another.”

“What happens if that kid turns up? And no fear, your secrets are safe with me,” Bella replied.

“Oh, there’ll be a tragic accident. Got a lake on my property, and the kid will have a cramp and drown. Ain’t bringing up that bitch’s brat. Not for anything in the world. Although it might have been fun to turn the brat against her as well.”

“Girl, you’re ruthless,” Bella said, laughing.

“I’m the only person who matters.” Cordelia giggled.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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