Chapter 5

Karson and I followed the officers to the police station to wait for the injury reports.

The crash left two dead and ten injured-three seriously, seven with minor wounds.

The two deaths included my uncle himself.

He bore full responsibility.

Factoring in compensation and car repairs, the total came to about two million.

I shared the amount with Joanna.

"Sonya, I'm swamped right now. Could you cover it for me? Once we've laid your uncle to rest, I'll pay you back."

"Alright. I'll have my assistant send you the contract. I'll front the compensation for you."

"Perfect, perfect." Joanna agreed quickly.

After we hung up, Lexi yanked at her mom's sleeve. "Mom, how could you agree? That's two million!"

"What choice do we have? Your dad caused this. If we can't pay, we'll get your aunt to chip in."

"Will that work?"

Joanna nodded, her eyes sharp with calculation. "We'll stall as long as we can. With your aunt and grandma around, she won't push too hard. Oh, and your dad's crash happened because of you. Don't let anyone else find out."

"But... what about Cory?" Lexi hesitated.

"Don't worry. Stay home for a few days. They won't dare come around."

Joanna thumped her chest, full of confidence.

Looking at Reece on the hospital bed, she let out a heavy sigh. "Reece... how did you end up in a crash?"