His Lesson Killed My Mother Now He Will Pay Chapter 05
Into the silence, Graham slid a document across the table toward me.
“Sit down and sign it.”
I didn’t move toward the chair.
“Give me the storm box first.”
“Sloane needs it for tonight’s livestream.” He lowered his voice. “Sign, and you’ll get it back.”
“The checklist, the photos, the medical records—none of that was cleared for public release.”
Sloane swirled the wine in her glass.
“Graham already consented. We’re turning your mother’s tragedy into something educational. Something with public value.”
“He has no right to consent for her.”
Graham tapped the document’s cover page.
*Exclusive Content Authorization Agreement for the Sloane Mercer Podcast.*
“Sign it, and I’ll restore your access to the apartment. Sloane will also delete that voicemail of yours.”
I opened the agreement.
The authorization covered not just every call, image, and account of the hurricane, but also every personal experience, oral history, and survival method my mother had shared as a Katrina survivor.
Further down, under *Term of Authorization*: Permanent.
Under *Compensation*: One dollar.
I looked up.
“This isn’t an agreement. It’s a bill of sale.”
Graham’s face darkened.
“You live in my apartment, use my accounts, and benefit from the resources of the Vale family. And now you want to split hairs with me over this?”
“My mother’s life is not one of your resources.”
Vivian finally set down her glass.
“You’re about to become part of this family. Her story naturally becomes part of our family’s story. Marrying Graham was always the best protection for you and your mother.”
I looked at Graham.
“Is that what you think, too?”
He didn’t deny it. He just pushed a pen closer to me.
“Once we’re married, you’ll be part of the family trust. I’m not going to let you lose out financially. Don’t throw away a truly beneficial arrangement just because you’re emotional.”
I looked at the pen and suddenly laughed.
“So first you steal my story, then you decide how much hush money I get for it?”