Chapter 3 - Nobody Saw
The attorney’s name was Richard Carver. He spoke in the careful, polished tone of a man who charged by the minute and never raised his voice because he never had to.
“These are not accusations,” he said. “They’re protective steps.”
I stared at the first page.
AFFIDAVIT REGARDING MATERNAL INSTABILITY.
My hands went cold.
“What is this?”
Margaret stood near the window in a pearl-gray coat, looking almost peaceful.
“Insurance,” she said.
Carver frowned at her, then continued. “Your husband and Mrs. Bennett have concerns about your emotional condition. There are references here to threats, erratic behavior, and statements suggesting you may be a danger to yourself.”
“I never said any of that.”
Margaret gave me a sad smile. “You don’t remember half the things you say when you’re upset.”
I wanted to throw the papers at her.
Instead I said, “Get out.”
Carver closed his briefcase. “I recommend you have independent counsel review everything.”
“That’s the first intelligent thing you’ve said.”
Margaret waited until he stepped into the hall.
Then she leaned close.
“You should have listened yesterday,” she whispered. “Nobody saw what happened.”
She smiled.
I almost believed her.
An hour later, a nurse named Renee came in holding my phone inside a clear plastic bag.
“This was dropped at the front desk for you,” she said. “Your neighbor sent it over with her son. She said you need to check the last message.”
“My neighbor?”
“Mrs. Keane. Across the street from your in-laws.”
I unlocked the phone.
There was one new text.
CLAIRE, MY DOORBELL CAMERA CAUGHT SOMETHING THROUGH THEIR FRONT WINDOW. I THINK YOU NEED TO SEE IT BEFORE ANYONE ELSE DOES.
Below it was a video attachment.
My thumb hovered over the screen.
Renee noticed my face. “Do you want me to stay?”
“Yes,” I whispered.
I pressed play.
The video opened on Margaret’s front porch, then the wide front window beyond it.
Inside the house, the staircase was clearly visible.
So was Margaret.
So was me.
May you like
And three seconds before she shoved me, another figure appeared in the upstairs hallway.
Ethan.
