Chapter 12
Jace’s consequences came separately.
That was important to Cassian.
Being manipulated did not erase what the boy had done to Noah.
The school suspended Jace for the remainder of the term.
The juvenile process focused on the unlawful confinement and assaultive conduct.
Because Noah had not been seriously injured and Jace had no comparable prior adjudications, the matter did not become a theatrical prosecution.
There was counseling.
A behavioral plan.
No direct contact with Noah.
Restitution for damaged school property.
A structured juvenile diversion program.
Cassian did not interfere.
Lena initially wanted him to.
“He’s your son.”
“Yes.”
“You’re a criminal defense attorney.”
“Yes.”
“Then help him.”
Cassian looked at her.
“I will get him independent counsel.”
“That’s helping.”
“I am not making the consequence disappear.”
Lena stared.
Cassian continued.
“If I use my power to teach him that the rules change when his last name becomes Vale, Arthur wins again.”
That ended the argument.
Cassian paid for Jace’s lawyer only after the agreement was structured so Lena retained decision-making authority and counsel remained professionally independent.
Jace refused to speak to Cassian for three weeks.
Then agreed to one therapy session.
Neutral office.
No Noah.
Jace sat with his arms crossed.
“You got Grandpa arrested?”
Cassian answered carefully.
“Arthur is under investigation.”
“You turned him in.”
“I reported records.”
“Same thing.”
“No.”
Jace rolled his eyes.
“You lawyers love words.”
“Yes.”
That almost made the therapist smile.
Jace looked at Cassian.
“So you really didn’t know.”
“No.”
“My whole life?”
“No.”
Jace’s anger cracked.
“Why should I believe you?”
Cassian did not say because I’m your father.
He did not say because the DNA says so.
He placed the forensic report on the table.
“You don’t have to believe me today.”
Jace stared at it.
Cassian continued.
“You’re allowed to read records. Ask Lena. Ask your own lawyer. Ask people who don’t work for me.”
Jace’s eyes filled.
“Grandpa said you’d say that.”
“What?”
“That you’d hide behind lawyers.”
Cassian nodded slowly.
“Then don’t use my lawyers.”
The boy looked confused.
Cassian continued.
“Use yours.”
May you like
For the first time, Jace had been given permission to verify instead of obey.
That seemed to frighten him more than anger had.
