Chapter 10 - Betrayal Between Thieves
When Julian realized I was never going to save him, his survival instinct kicked into overdrive. Narcissists have no loyalty, not even to their own blood.
He called a meeting with the federal prosecutor and his defense attorney, Harrison. Julian sat at the metal table, his hands cuffed to the anchor ring, ready to deal the ultimate betrayal.
“I want a plea deal,” Julian told the prosecutor, his eyes darting nervously. “I’ll plead guilty to the federal wire fraud and bribery charges. I’ll give you the names of every Department of Transportation inspector who took my money.”
The prosecutor raised an eyebrow. “We already have the inspectors, Mr. Sterling. The bank records were quite thorough. You have no leverage.”
“I’ll testify against my mother,” Julian blurted out.
Harrison sighed, rubbing his forehead in disgust.
“I’ll take the stand at her attempted murder trial,” Julian promised, throwing his own mother under the bus without a second thought. “I’ll testify that she premeditated the attack. I’ll testify that she bought the grease specifically to hurt Clara, and that she threatened to kill her if I intervened. I will give you the star witness to ensure she gets life in prison, if you cap my sentence at ten years.”
The prosecutor looked at Julian with barely concealed contempt. A son willing to sell out his own mother to save his skin was a wretched sight, but it was incredibly useful for the state's case.
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“I will take your offer to the District Attorney,” the prosecutor said coldly. “But if you lie on the stand, the deal is revoked, and we will bury you both.”
Julian nodded frantically. “I’ll tell them exactly what a monster she is.”
