Chapter 15 - My Sister's Version
Ortiz didn't let me sit in on Mallory's interview. She did tell me what Mallory had admitted after speaking with her lawyer.
Mallory had taken money from Mom's account. She'd signed documents for Alder Ridge. She knew Grant had copied Mom's signature onto the property contract. And at the cemetery, she had thrown the flowerpot at Claire.
"She says Grant pressured her," Ortiz explained. "He told her the sale would collapse if Claire got to the records first."
"Did he force her to pick up that pot?"
"No. She admits that was her decision."
I was relieved and furious at the same time. Finally there was a confession. It didn't make Claire sit up. It didn't erase Emma's nightmares.
Mallory left a voicemail for me from the police station.
"Ethan, I didn't know she'd get hurt that badly. Grant said Mom had changed her will to give everything to Claire. He said that cross was the key to proving it. I thought they were stealing from me."
Her voice cracked.
"When I saw Claire wearing it, I heard Mom telling me I wasn't worth anything. I know that's not an excuse. I just need you to know."
I listened twice, then deleted nothing. The message belonged with the evidence.
Claire heard the last few seconds from her pillow. She stared at the ceiling.
"She saw Emma," she said.
"I know."
"She saw me holding her."
"I know."
Claire closed her eyes. "Then she chose."
That evening, Ortiz explained that Mallory had turned over a backup drive from Alder Ridge. On it were draft contracts, messages, and an audio file Grant had saved while negotiating with Mom.
"It may establish exactly what Evelyn agreed to," Ortiz said.
"What does it say?"
"We're still authenticating it. But your mother can be heard clearly."
My knees went weak.
May you like
"Can I hear her voice?"
"Once it's cleared for release," Ortiz said. "And Ethan, brace yourself. She was talking directly to Grant."
