Chapter 56
Eddie
In the lawyer consultation room, Vanessa was still mopping at her pants and blouse with napkins.
‘I’m sorry about the glass of water. I could have warned you, but it would have looked fake if I had.’
‘I understand,’ she said. ‘The jury seemed to get the point.’
‘I’m glad you saw that. If we keep on this path, there’s a chance we can get an acquittal.
But only if you do what we discussed. After Patrick testifies, the prosecution have one more witness.
If they can’t find them, I think the judge will push the case on and give the DA permission to call Detective Larkin later.
That’s okay – we won’t object. Larkin was a hand grenade.
He could go off in anyone’s face. There’s no way of knowing how that would’ve played out.
He might have admitted to outside interference in the case, or he might not.
It would have been messy and risky for all sides.
You just remember what we talked about. Remember exactly the answer we gave you and repeat that precisely. ’
She nodded. ‘I’ll do it. I won’t let you down.’
Harry came into the room and said, ‘Patrick Vanderpool is here. We’re due back in court.’
‘Remember, Vanessa, you can’t reveal anything about personal conversations you’ve had with your husband. No matter how much they push you. Just give them the answer we discussed.’
‘I’ve got it. Don’t worry. I’ve . . .’ she said, then paused, as if thinking about something, or weighing up a decision.
‘Wait, there’s something else. I can’t remember if I’ve told you about it or not.
I guess in the beginning I was protecting him.
I was afraid of him. But this time away from him, it’s made me think more clearly.
I think Patrick gave Molly a really expensive gift, not long before she was killed. ’
‘What kind of gift?’ I asked.
‘A diamond bracelet, in white gold. I found it hidden in his medicine cabinet one morning, not long before our anniversary. I thought he’d bought it for me, you know?
So I didn’t say anything to him about it.
But he never gave it to me. I got a purse for our anniversary, and dinner and a show.
He was trying to make up for cancelling our anniversary party at the Hamptons house.
There’s been so much happening I forgot all about it.
I don’t know if it’s even relevant, but I remembered last night Patrick asked me if the police had mentioned the bracelet when they were questioning me.
Again, I don’t know if it means anything.
I just thought I should mention it while I remembered. ’
Harry and I stared at each other for a moment.
‘There was no bracelet listed in Molly Green’s possessions, and there’s—’
‘I know, my DNA on her jewelry box, but I swear I’ve never seen or touched that box before.’
‘And you didn’t mention this before, because . . . ?’ I asked.
‘I don’t know. I’m sorry. I probably should have, but, like I said, I didn’t know if it was relevant. I’ve been so scared. You don’t know what it’s like living with . . .’
As she trailed off, she scratched at her right forearm, where she’d shown us the burn scars.
‘Okay, I’m sorry,’ I said. ‘I can ask about it. We don’t have this bracelet to show him, and it could come back to bite us, Vanessa. Do you want me to ask about it?’
She nodded, said, ‘I think it could rattle him.’
‘Okay,’ said Harry. ‘Well, let’s go nail your husband.’