CHAPTER 13: A Visit Behind Bars
In early spring, a formal request for visitation arrived at Arthur’s desk. Victoria Sterling, awaiting sentencing at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, had requested an audience with Clara.
Arthur advised against it, but Clara insisted. “I need to see her once, Arthur. Not to gloat, but to close the door.”
Inside the sterile visitor’s room, separated by a pane of clean glass, Victoria sat in a plain green prison jumpsuit. Her blonde hair had lost its golden sheen, and the lines of stress and anger were deeply etched into her face.
Victoria picked up the black telephone handset. Clara did the same.
“Why did you come?” Victoria asked, her voice hollow and defeated. “To see me like this?”
“No,” Clara replied softly. “I came to tell you that I forgive you.”
Victoria stared at the girl, stunned and bewildered. “Forgive me? I tried to destroy your life!”
“If I hold onto hatred for what you did, then you still control me,” Clara said with a maturity far beyond her years. “My father died thinking of love, and my mother lived by it. You gave up everything for money, and now you have neither. I don't hate you, Victoria. I just pity you.”
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Clara placed the phone back onto its cradle, turned around, and walked out into the sunlight without looking back once.
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