Chapter 7 - LORRAINE’S SECRET
Lorraine Clarke had spent decades protecting the family name. Now she sat in Rachel’s kitchen with Detective Ruiz across from her.
“You signed Thomas’s funeral contract before he died,” Ruiz said.
Lorraine did not blink.
“Yes.”
Rachel felt physically sick.
“Why?”
“Because Thomas asked me to.”
“That’s a lie.”
Lorraine reached into her handbag and removed a sealed envelope.
“Then read this.”
Inside was a handwritten letter from Thomas.
Mom—if I’m right, someone inside the company is preparing for my death. I need you to act like you believe my heart condition is worse than it is. Arrange the funeral contract. Let them think I’m predictable. Don’t tell Rachel unless you absolutely have to.
Rachel’s eyes filled with fury.
“He used me as bait?”
Lorraine’s voice broke for the first time.
“He was trying to protect you.”
“By letting me think he was dead?”
“He didn’t plan that.”
Ruiz took the letter.
“Why didn’t you tell police this immediately?”
“Because Thomas also wrote that he believed someone in law enforcement was involved.”
Ruiz went still.
Rachel looked between them.
“Do you trust your own department?”
“I trust some people.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
Before Ruiz could answer, a crash came from upstairs.
Rachel ran.
Madison’s bedroom window was open.
The screen had been cut.
Madison stood beside the bed, shaking.
A folded piece of paper lay on her pillow.
Rachel grabbed it.
STOP DIGGING OR NEXT TIME THE COFFIN WILL FIT HER.
Rachel’s vision narrowed.
Ruiz drew her weapon and checked the hallway.
Madison whispered, “Mom?”
Rachel pulled her close.
“I’m here.”
Madison pointed toward the backyard.
“There was a man.”
“What man?”
“The one from Daddy’s funeral.”
Ruiz crouched.
“Can you describe him?”
Madison nodded slowly.
“He has the police star.”
May you like
Rachel looked at Ruiz.
And for the first time, the detective looked scared.
