Chapter 11 - The Woman on the Recording
Graham played the last four seconds again. Claire shouted. Victoria yelled at Elliot. There was a scrape of shoes, a heavy impact, and then the recording ended.
For four years, Graham had believed his wife slipped on the boathouse steps during a storm.
“She was frightened,” he said. “And someone was there with her.”
Mara sealed the recorder in an evidence bag. “We need to recover the original audio, interview everyone named, and reopen the death investigation. Don't confront Victoria alone.”
But when Graham returned to the mansion with an officer beside him, Victoria was waiting in his study.
“You found Claire's box,” she said.
He stopped. “How could you possibly know that?”
“Elliot called.” She rubbed her wrists. “He says you've lost your mind.”
“I heard your voice at the boathouse.”
The color drained from her face.
“I was trying to help Claire,” she said. “She and Elliot argued. She stumbled. I panicked.”
“Then why did you tell the police you weren't there?”
“Because Elliot said no one would believe me.”
Graham stepped closer. “And this morning? Were you trying to help Ellie when you shut her inside that machine?”
Victoria stared at him, lips pressed tight.
“You have to understand,” she finally whispered. “I was teaching her not to go through private papers. I never wanted her hurt.”
Graham felt something inside him go cold.
“You admitted putting her there.”
“I didn't know about the timer,” Victoria said quickly. “Elliot told me he'd handle everything.”
The officer at the door spoke into his radio.
Victoria realized what she'd said. Her eyes darted toward the window, then back to Graham.
May you like
“Elliot won't let me be arrested,” she whispered.
And for the first time, Graham saw that his wife was afraid of the man she'd helped.
