Chapter 9: Consequences
The formal charges came on a Thursday.
Patricia called while I was at my desk at work — I had gone back the previous Monday, Sofía settled into a temporary routine at Camila's, my manager understanding in the careful way of someone who had been quietly briefed.
"They've charged Diego with wire fraud and breach of fiduciary duty," Patricia said.
"Fourteen counts in total, covering the client accounts.
He's agreed to a cooperation arrangement — full disclosure in exchange for a reduced sentencing recommendation."
"And Teresa?"
"Eight counts.
Wire fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and one count related to the notarized document — procurement of a forged instrument." A pause.
"Claudia Vega has been charged separately.
Two counts.
Her notary license has been permanently revoked."
I looked through the glass wall of my office at my colleagues working at their desks.
"Is it done?" I asked.
"The criminal matter will take time to fully resolve.
But the asset freeze has been converted to a court-supervised recovery process.
The client funds are being returned — Castillo & Reyes has agreed to cover the shortfall from firm reserves while recovery proceeds.
Your personal losses — the $73,000 from savings and the home equity line — are being addressed in the divorce settlement."
"The house?"
"Diego has agreed to a full buyout of your share at current market value, to be paid from his portion of the recovered assets.
You keep the house or you take the cash equivalent — your choice.
I'd recommend the cash, given everything, but that's your decision."
I thought about the house.
The pink-and-purple balloons tied around the living room.
The belt on the arm of the sofa.
"Cash," I said.
"I'll note that." I could hear her writing.
"The grandparent visitation motion has been withdrawn.
Teresa's attorney filed the withdrawal yesterday morning, the same day the charges were confirmed."
Of course he had.
"One more thing," Patricia said.
"Diego asked, through his attorney, whether you would be willing to allow supervised visits with Sofía at some point in the future — when she's ready, on her terms, with a family therapist present.
He is not requesting it as a legal matter.
He's asking."
I thought about what Diego had said in the coffee shop.
She's your daughter.
She should be with you.
"Tell his attorney I'll consider it," I said.
"When Sofía is ready.
Not before."
"Understood."
After I hung up, I sat at my desk for a moment.
Then I opened my email and typed a message to Robert Castillo at Castillo & Reyes — a short note thanking him for his firm's cooperation and asking him to pass my thanks to the employee who had first reached out to me.
His reply came within the hour.
*She asked me to tell you her name is Daniela.
She said she's glad she sent that message.*
May you like
I read it twice.
Then I saved it.
