Chapter 7 - EVELYN’S DEAL
Robert Sloan had represented my family for eleven years.
He attended Anna’s funeral.
He brought food to my house afterward.
He helped me complete paperwork when I could barely remember my own phone number.
Now he was representing the woman accused of trying to destroy me.
Detective Collins arranged for me to watch Evelyn’s initial interview from behind a one-way window.
Robert sat beside her.
Evelyn still wore the plum-colored suit from the luncheon.
Her hair was no longer perfect.
That small detail gave me more satisfaction than it should have.
Collins entered the interview room.
“Mrs. Hart, we have evidence showing you removed emergency medication from Daniel Mercer’s coat.”
Evelyn stared at her.
“You have an audio recording made by a frightened child.”
“We also recovered an injector from your vehicle.”
“It was planted.”
“We have witnesses who saw you near Daniel’s coat.”
“No witness saw me steal anything.”
Collins placed a photograph of the custody petition on the table.
“This was prepared before Lily’s medical emergency.”
Robert shifted.
“Detective, my client has already explained that she had longstanding concerns about Mr. Mercer.”
Evelyn suddenly looked at him.
Something passed between them.
Fear.
Or warning.
Collins noticed.
“So the timing is coincidence?”
Robert answered.
“Yes.”
Collins placed the photograph of Michael’s whiteboard on the table.
PHASE TWO - MEDICAL INCIDENT.
Evelyn’s face changed.
Robert’s did not.
That told me everything I needed to know.
He had seen it before.
Collins leaned forward.
“Michael Mercer is missing.”
“If he speaks first, the prosecutor may decide he is more useful than you.”
Evelyn’s jaw tightened.
“You think Michael planned this?”
“I think both of you did.”
Evelyn looked toward Robert again.
Then she said quietly, “I want a deal.”
Robert immediately grabbed her arm.
“You are not negotiating anything.”
“Take your hand off me.”
“Evelyn.”
She pulled away.
“You said he destroyed the file.”
Robert went still.
Behind the glass, my heart began pounding.
Collins sat down again.
“What file?”
Evelyn realized her mistake.
Robert whispered something to her.
She refused to look at him.
Then she turned toward Collins.
“Michael was never supposed to hurt Lily.”
My fists clenched.
“He said the reaction would be controlled.”
“That Daniel would look negligent.”
“That the doctors would stabilize Lily immediately.”
Collins remained expressionless.
“And the missing injectors?”
Evelyn swallowed.
“Michael’s idea.”
Robert stood.
“This interview is over.”
Evelyn ignored him.
“He said if Daniel had the medication, there wouldn’t be enough evidence.”
“Enough evidence for what?”
“To remove him.”
“And take control of the trust?”
Evelyn closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
Collins asked the question I had been waiting for.
“Where is Michael?”
Evelyn opened her eyes.
“I don’t know.”
May you like
Then she added something that frightened me even more.
“But I know what he’s looking for.”
