Chapter 11 - Richard’s Story
Richard asked to surrender to federal authorities.
Dana said that did not make him trustworthy.
Lily said, “Good.”
He arrived at a state police facility with two lawyers.
Richard admitted he had researched her before their first date.
He admitted the meeting was staged.
He admitted he wanted control of North Ridge.
Then he gave the reason he had been told.
“My mother said Michael Ward murdered Caleb Voss during Ashbridge and hid evidence under Sarah Carter’s land.”
I stared through the glass.
Evelyn had turned me into the villain.
Richard continued.
“She said the land belonged to our family before the Carters stole it.”
A lie.
County deeds proved Sarah’s grandfather bought it legally fifty years earlier.
Richard said he believed recovering the land would expose me.
Then he met Lily.
“I loved her.”
Lily whispered, “No.”
I glanced at her.
She was shaking.
Richard said he tried to stop the plan twice.
His mother threatened to expose his earlier assault complaints and cut him off.
Then he admitted Easter was about the signature.
Evelyn believed the tunnel had been compromised.
They needed legal control of North Ridge before Keene moved the records.
Richard pressured Lily.
She refused.
He grabbed her.
She fought back.
He hit her.
Then Chief Pike told him the family could control the story.
Lily turned away from the glass.
“I’m done.”
We started to leave.
Richard suddenly said, “Michael.”
I stopped.
“My mother has Sarah’s journal.”
My wife’s.
I turned back.
“What?”
“She found it after Sarah died.”
My hands went cold.
“How?”
“Your housekeeper sold her a box from the estate.”
Lily looked at me.
We had donated and stored dozens of boxes after Sarah’s death.
Richard continued.
“Sarah knew about North Ridge.”
“Why?”
“She found something before she died.”
“What?”
Richard swallowed.
“A photograph of Thomas Keene meeting with your partner Ben.”
The room went quiet.
“Friendly?”
Richard shook his head.
“No.”
May you like
“Then what?”
“Ben was handing him money.”
