Chapter 7 - THE JEWELRY IN MARIA'S ROOM
The investigators were from the state financial-crimes unit, not the FBI, but the effect was the same. Graham stopped smiling.
Arthur gave them copies of the forged trust documents and the security footage.
Elena left before they could question her.
At noon, Arthur returned home to find two police cruisers in his driveway.
Maria stood on the front steps, pale and furious.
An officer held a velvet jewelry box.
"What's going on?" Arthur asked.
The officer opened it. Inside was Elena's diamond bracelet.
"Mrs. Vance reported this stolen last night. We found it in Ms. Alvarez's bedroom."
Maria's jaw tightened. "I did not take it."
Arthur looked at the officer. "Who gave you permission to search her room?"
"We had consent from Mrs. Vance. She showed identification listing this as her residence."
"She was removed from the house last night."
The officer's expression changed.
Maria said, "Check the camera outside my room."
Ben pulled up the feed.
The hallway recording showed Elena entering Maria's room the previous afternoon, carrying the same jewelry box.
The officers watched in silence.
"She planted it," one said.
"Yes," Maria replied. "And she hit me when I told her I found the trust papers."
Arthur turned. "She hit you?"
Maria touched the split on her lip. "You saw the result."
Lucas appeared at the top of the stairs.
"She hit Maria because Maria wouldn't give her my backpack."
Arthur looked at him. "What was in your backpack?"
Lucas swallowed. "A flash drive."
Maria went still.
"What flash drive?"
"The one Mom Claire gave Maria before she died."
Arthur's breath stopped.
May you like
Maria closed her eyes.
She had been keeping one more secret.
