Chapter 16
Vee
“State police officer?”
Fin nodded. “And a detective. Ethan brought them up with your bag and phone. He apologized, saying he couldn’t call ahead because he had your phone.”
The water sloshed as I stood, the silky moisture rolling down my nude body. “What’s this about?”
“I don’t know for sure. They only said they want to speak with you.”
Fin offered me his hand. As I stepped out of the tub, he wrapped a fluffy towel around me.
“I told him you were indisposed.” His displeasure with our interruption was evident by his clenched jaw and tightened muscles on the side of his face.
“I’ll go out there and wait with them.” He kissed the top of my head. “Don’t hurry.”
“Is it about tonight’s accident or Dad?”
“We’ll find out when you’re ready.”
Shivering, I turned toward the large mirror over the vanity, taking in my reflection.
Instinctively, my fingers went to the discoloration on my right cheek and I grimaced.
I couldn’t explain why my right cheek took more of the airbag’s brunt than the left.
My only guess was that I must have turned my head as the bag exploded.
Using a separate towel, I patted dry the ends of my hair before twisting the length into a messy bun on the top of my head.
Stepping into the bedroom, I paused at the sight of clothes littering the floor and rug near the bed. It appeared as if a tornado had come and gone. Tornado Fin. I felt my smile lifting my cheeks at the memory of Fin taking charge, telling me he had faith in me, and working my body into a frenzy.
I wasn’t a person who sought out praise or craved acclaim.
Nevertheless, I needed it or wanted it more than I realized.
Today’s executive meeting was difficult.
Closing my eyes, I saw the table filled with family, with people who should be supportive, all voicing their opinion that I wasn’t ready to take on the role of CEO.
I was inexperienced, unqualified, and too young.
Thank goodness for Cammy. She stopped Grant and Uncle Darin cold when they mentioned contesting Dad’s will in court.
The will, she stated, was old, but there wasn’t a legal requirement for people to update their will.
The Coopers were left to Dad’s children; being the only one, the team was mine.
Whoever fills the position of CEO would be my choice.
I felt I deserved the position. However, after listening to their critique, I was starting to believe that the person best suited for CEO wasn’t me.
I donned panties, capri leggings, and a soft large Coopers sweatshirt.
Slipping my feet into an old pair of crocs, I took a deep breath and tried to keep my hands from shaking as I opened the door.
The sound of men’s voices reverberated from down the hall, not in a loud way but simply at a conversational decibel.
“Ms. Hubbard,” the man in uniform said, standing. His eyes opened wide. “Mr. Graham mentioned that you were in a car accident today.” He nodded toward my face. “Do you have any other injuries?”
Fin stood too, as did another man, white haired and wearing a rumpled sports jacket.
“Yes. Are you here about what happened today?” I walked closer to Fin.
“No, ma’am,” the white-haired man said. “We’re here in relation to your father’s accident.”
I exhaled. “Gentlemen, it’s late, and I’ve had multiple difficult days.”
“We’re sorry for your loss,” the white-haired man said. “I’m Detective Jack Oldson, and this is State Trooper Everett Daniels.”
“Do you have a warrant?”
“No, Ms. Hubbard,” Detective Oldson said. “We’re only here to talk with you.” Before I could respond, he went on, “Trooper Daniels worked the scene of your father’s accident, and I’m part of the team investigating it. We have a few questions we’d like to ask you.”
I furrowed my forehead. “Why are you investigating? It was an accident. That’s what I was told.”
“When a fatality is involved, it’s not that simple,” Trooper Daniels explained.
Clenching my jaw, I turned toward my living room. “Please come in and have a seat.”
Although every fiber within my being wanted to sit next to Fin—to feel his warmth and support—I chose one of the singular chairs. The others all took seats.
“Ms. Hubbard,” the detective began, “are you all right with discussing Mr. Hubbard’s case in the presence of Mr. Graham?”
My gaze went toward Fin and back to the detective. “Anything you say to me can be said in front of Griffin.”
“Very well.” The detective pulled his phone from his pocket. “Ms. Hubbard, are you aware of the medications your father took?”
“I wasn’t. I was told that some were found during the autopsy.” I tried to think. “Beta blockers, which I believe is for blood pressure.” My mind was tired. “I’m sorry. There were others, but I can’t remember them.”
“The early tests only disclose types of drugs. The others were benzodiazepines and antihistamines.”
“I’m familiar with antihistamines, not the other.”
“Benzodiazepines,” the detective said, “are prescription sedatives, often used for anxiety, insomnia, or alcohol withdrawal.”
“Have you spoken to Daphne Hubbard?” I asked. “My father’s wife…widow, I guess. She would have a better understanding about Dad’s daily routine.”
“We have,” Detective Oldson said. “According to Mrs. Hubbard, your father only took the beta blockers.”
I shook my head. “Why is this important? Maybe Dad had seasonal allergies or trouble sleeping. I don’t know.
” I’d suffered allergies most of my life.
Was that hereditary? “Besides, the accident wasn’t Dad’s fault.
” I turned toward the state trooper. “Uncle Darin was told by the state police—you—that the accident was caused by a semi-truck that changed lanes too quickly. The driver said he didn’t see Dad’s car. ”
“I spoke with the driver,” the trooper said. “He was very shaken up.”
“He’d just killed my father. I’m sure he was.” It was a harsh reply, but my filter had stopped working hours ago.
“The truck driver works for a large distribution company,” Detective Oldson said.
I wasn’t sure where this was going.
“You’ve probably heard of them, Security Supply. They transport industrial and MRO products.”
“I’ve heard of them.”
The detective continued, “Security Supply wants the accident further investigated. They are contesting the original report and claim your father was at fault, not their driver.”
I jumped to my feet. “Why? And why are you telling me this?”
All three men stood. Fin moved to my side. “This is something that should be discussed with the Hubbards’ attorneys, not Vee,” Fin said.
“Ma’am, we can inform you that as an heir to Mr. Hubbard’s estate,” Detective Oldson said, “if the prosecutor determines there’s enough evidence to pursue a case, you could be named as co-defendant.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“We have informed Mrs. Daphne Hubbard as well.”
My head was spinning as Fin wrapped his arm around my waist and asked, “Are you charging Vee with anything?”
“Not at this time,” the detective answered. “We simply have questions.”
I turned to Fin, unsure what to say or do.
“Ms. Hubbard,” Detective Oldson said, “I’d like to show you a picture and ask you if you’re familiar with the item.”
“Fine,” I said. “Then you can leave.”
“This was found in the glove compartment of your father’s car.”
The picture was on his phone screen. I recognized the item immediately—a small pillbox, silver with a tiny bird on the lid in what looked like a mosaic. I looked up. “It’s a pillbox.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because I have one just like it.”
“Do you have yours here?” the detective asked.
I turned to Fin. “Where’s my bag?”
“It’s in the kitchen. I’ll get it.”
“Come with me,” I said to everyone as I walked toward the kitchen. My leather bag was on the island counter. Frantically, I began removing items from my bag—my tablet, water bottle, wallet, and hairbrush. I made it down to a few hair ties and pens. “It’s not in my purse.”
“What do you keep in your pillbox?”
“Benadryl.”
The two men looked at one another.
The connection hit me. “Benadryl is an antihistamine. Why are you asking?”
“Did you offer Benadryl to your father?”
“No,” I answered immediately. “Mine is over the counter, you can buy it anywhere—he could buy it anywhere. I haven’t really needed it this fall. I just have it—in case.”
“But you don’t have your pillbox,” the detective said.
“Not in my bag, but…” My mind swirled. “I was in an accident earlier today. The sheriff’s department returned my bag and phone. The pillbox could have fallen out.”
“Do you take any anxiety medication or sleeping pills?”
“No.” My neck straightened. “I saw my father for the last time on Sunday afternoon after the Coopers–Cardinals game. He was perfectly healthy. I was supposed to meet with him on Monday. He didn’t make the meeting.”
“Gentlemen,” Fin said, “this has gone on long enough. If you are on a fishing expedition, you’ll need to do that with Ms. Hubbard’s attorney present.”
“Only a few more questions—”
Fin interrupted. “Ms. Hubbard is done answering your questions.”
I wrapped my arms around my midsection as Fin walked the two officers to the door. I heard it close and the beeps indicating that Fin activated the security system.
“What the fuck?” he asked as he came back. “Vee, this is ridiculous.”
“I didn’t give pills to Dad.”
Fin wrapped me in his arms and pulled me to his chest. “I know that.” He took a step back, still holding onto my shoulders. “Do you have an attorney? One who doesn’t represent the Coopers?”
“Cammy gave me a name. I didn’t have time to call her today.”
“I think you should call first thing tomorrow.”