Chapter 11 - The Confiscation and Restitution
Three days after Nicholas’s sentencing, I stood with Abigail and Agent Thomas Wright on the sweeping front lawn of the Myers Park estate.
A large federal government auction sign was planted in the manicured grass near the wrought-iron gates. Moving trucks were lined up along the circular driveway as federal agents cataloged and removed centuries of looted antique furniture, fine art, and luxury sports cars.
"Total recovery from the offshore accounts is ninety-eight million dollars," Wright explained, handing Abigail a thick certified ledger. "After paying off the defrauded state infrastructure funds, thirty-five million dollars will be placed into the Ferguson Victims Restitution Trust."
"Thirty-five million?" Abigail asked, stunned.
"Yes," Wright smiled. "It will be divided equally between you and the other three young women Patricia Ferguson silenced over the years. You have complete legal control over how your share is disbursed."
Abigail looked back at the grand brick manor that had once been her gilded prison. "I don't want a single penny of their money in my personal account, Thomas."
Wright looked surprised. "What do you want to do with it, Abigail?"
Abigail looked at me, a warm, confident smile spreading across her face. "I want to buy the garden pavilion and the east wing of this property from the federal auction. I’m going to tear down the iron walls and turn it into the 'Gardner Foundation'—a fully funded crisis center, legal clinic, and trauma sanctuary for women escaping domestic violence and high-powered abusers."
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I wrapped my arm around Abigail’s shoulders, pulling her close. "You're going to turn their prison into a haven."
"They used their power to build cages, Mom," Abigail whispered, resting her head against my shoulder. "We’re going to use it to open doors."
