Chapter 9 - Tyler’s Side
Six months after the flight, Tyler asked permission to send another letter.
Marcus said no.
Two months later, he changed mind.
This one was longer.
Tyler wrote about school suspension.
Court diversion.
Community service at a nonprofit supporting children with hearing differences.
Mandatory counseling.
Loss of lacrosse team.
Transfer to another school.
He did not complain about unfairness.
At least not in letter.
Then:
The first day at the nonprofit, a kid asked me why hearing aids whistle sometimes. I didn’t know. I realized I had taken yours without even knowing what it did.
Marcus read slowly.
Then:
My counselor asked why I needed people to laugh. I said because when people are laughing with you they aren’t laughing at you.
Marcus looked up.
“That’s sad.”
“It is.”
“Still mean.”
“Yes.”
Both.
Tyler wrote that Gregory had always mocked weakness.
Crying.
Losing.
Apologizing.
Being “too sensitive.”
He did not blame father entirely.
He wrote:
Dad didn't make my hand reach between seats. I did.
That line impressed me.
Then:
I heard him make jokes about Black people. I repeated things because I wanted him to think I was tough. That's not an excuse.
Good.
Marcus asked:
“Can I write back?”
“Yes.”
He wrote:
I hated you for a while.
Then stopped.
“Too mean?”
“No. If true.”
He continued:
I was scared to use my hearing aid after you took it. I thought someone else would do it. I don’t think about you every day anymore.
That line was powerful.
Healing as reduced occupancy.
Then:
I hope you become better. I don't want to be friends.
Perfect.
We sent.
Weeks later, Tyler replied only:
I understand.
That ended their correspondence.
No reunion.
No handshake.
No inspirational friendship.
Sometimes restorative justice means boundaries acknowledged.
Then Gregory’s case moved toward resolution.
Federal prosecutors brought charges/claims? Need careful. Could be civil False Claims Act settlement plus obstruction/retaliation charges if evidence. Let's structure: Sloan Sentinel entered corporate settlement over false certifications, paid penalties and compliance monitor, no admission on some civil counts maybe. Gregory individually faced indictment on obstruction/retaliation-related charges after evidence of witness intimidation and directing concealment, but not for every corporate false certification. Need not overly dramatic.
An indictment charged Gregory with obstruction-related conduct and retaliation tied to employee witnesses, not because son incident.
He pleaded not guilty.
Trial pending.
Company placed him on leave, independent board appointed interim CEO.
Sloan Sentinel continued operating under enhanced compliance and government oversight.
Thousands kept jobs.
Then Cassandra faced bar disciplinary inquiry over certain communications. She cooperated.
No convenient immunity.
Then Evan’s father filed employment-retaliation claim.
Company contested some allegations, settled later without broad admission, restored certain compensation.
Evan changed schools too eventually—not forced, family chose after harassment.
He and Marcus stayed occasional online friends.
They traded drawings.
Evan started photography club.
Then one night Marcus asked:
“Are rich people worse?”
I almost laughed.
“No.”
“Tyler was rich.”
“So are some generous people.”
“Are powerful people worse?”
“Power makes choices matter more.”
He thought.
“Like your badge?”
“Yes.”
That was lesson I wanted him to keep.
Then:
“Would you show it again?”
“Maybe only to crew, and probably more discreetly.”
He smiled.
“You scared him.”
“I know.”
“Was that bad?”
“I wanted him to stop. But fear shouldn't be first tool just because I have it.”
Marcus nodded.
Then said:
“I think he needed to be scared.”
Children prefer clarity.
“Maybe.”
I kissed his forehead.
“But adults have to be careful about enjoying that.”
He went back to drawing.
I stared at my credentials case on shelf.
A badge is only metal and authority lent by institution.
Motherhood had no badge.
No manual.
May you like
No clean recusal.
That was harder.
