Then the prosecutor asked, “Mrs. Gallagher, what happened when you confronted your father about your property after your husband’s death?”
I swallowed.
“He assaulted me.”
I described being dragged by my hair.
Being thrown outside.
My water breaking.
Courtney laughing.
The courtroom was utterly silent.
Then the prosecutor asked a final question.
“Why did you refuse to sign the settlement agreement your father proposed?”
I looked directly at Charles.
“Because my husband wasn’t a business obstacle. He was a person. He was my daughter’s father. And my father treated his death like an opportunity.”
For the first time, Charles looked up.
His face crumpled.
But I didn’t turn away.
I had spent my childhood afraid of disappointing him.
Now I understood that the greater tragedy would have been disappointing myself.
Ultimately, Charles was convicted on financial charges and offenses related to the fatal highway confrontation. Raymond was also convicted for his role, and Courtney was convicted in the fraud case.
