Chapter 15
David called at eight o'clock the next morning.
"The meeting is set for ten o'clock," he said. "At the police station. I'll meet you there. Bring everything. The letter, the files, the recording. And bring Lena. Her testimony is crucial."
"We'll be there," I said.
I hung up and took a deep breath.
Today was the day.
I woke Poppy up and got her ready for school. Sarah was going to pick her up and watch her for the day.
Lena was already dressed, her hands trembling.
"Are you ready?" I asked.
She nodded.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
We got in the car and drove to the police station.
David was waiting for us outside.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
I nodded. "We have everything."
"Good. Let's go in."
The police station was cold and sterile. We sat in a small interview room while David went to find the detective.
A few minutes later, a woman in a suit walked in. Mid-forties, short brown hair, serious eyes.
Detective Carter.
"I've been briefed by your lawyer," she said, sitting down across from us. "Why don't you start from the beginning."
I told her everything. From Grant's death to the affair to Margaret showing up at my house. I showed her the letter from Grant. The bank records. The emails.
Then Lena played the recording.
Detective Carter listened in silence, taking notes.
When we finished, she sat back in her chair.
"This is all very compelling," she said. "The embezzlement evidence is strong. We can arrest Margaret Bennett today. But the murder accusation... that's going to take more time. We'll need to reopen the case. Talk to witnesses. Re-examine the accident report. It won't be fast."
She looked at me.
"But I promise you this. We will look into it. Thoroughly. And if there's any evidence that Margaret Bennett was involved in her son's death, we will find it."
She stood up.
"I'll get a warrant for Margaret's arrest. By the end of the day, she'll be in custody."
I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.
It was really happening.
"Thank you," I whispered.
Detective Carter nodded.
"Go home. Try to relax. We'll be in touch."
We left the police station.
The sun was shining. Birds were singing.
It was a beautiful day.
Lena looked at me, tears in her eyes.
"She's going to jail," she said.
I nodded.
"She's going to jail."
We got in the car to drive home.
And then my phone rang.
It was Sarah.
Her voice was panicked.
May you like
"Audrey! Margaret is here. At the house. She's demanding to see Poppy. She says she's taking her for the day. I told her no, but she won't leave. She's banging on the door."
My blood ran cold.
