Chapter Thirty-One Judson
Chapter Thirty-One
Judson
I found Maria reclining in her bed, sucking on crushed ice, and watching a television news show. When she saw me, she sat up straighter. Her eyes were alert, but her skin was pale, and dark circles smudged under her eyes.
“Tell me you’re busting me out of here.” Her voice was weak, thready.
“Not yet.” I shut off the television, pulled up a chair beside the bed, and sat so we were at eye level.
“That bad?” she said.
“You were poisoned, Maria. Your lab results show levels of cyanide in your system.”
Closing her eyes, she shook her head from side to side. “Do you know how nuts that sounds?”
“I do. I’ve had several conversations with Dr. Webber and the lab techs. I’m very sure of the facts.”
Nervous laughter bubbled. “If you think Gabe did it, you’re wrong. He doesn’t have the guts.”
I leaned forward. “I found an AirTag hidden in Gabe’s truck.”
She nodded. “I put it there.”
“Why?”
“I thought he was having an affair.”
“And?”
“Let’s say it’s been hard, but we’ll work through it just like we did in high school.”
“High school?”
“He hooked up with Amy then. When she was working at Hale House. The weekends after he tore his ACL and couldn’t play. We’ve been through worse. And we both love Molly and want the best for her.”
“Of course—you both love Molly.”
“Amy doesn’t matter. She’s a passing phase.” She fingered the IV plugged into the bright blue veins trailing up her pale arm.
“What do you remember about Mrs. Eloise Hale?” I asked.
“My aunt? When she was healthy, she was great fun. After my dad died, she had me over to Hale House all the time. She was a rock.”
“Your mom died when?”
“Eight years ago. Cancer.”
“How was Amy with Mrs. Hale?”
Pale lips thinned. “Raine thought she was doing a good job. But Raine looked the other way when Amy stole from her.”
“Looked the other way?”
She pulled in a slow breath. “You saw how Amy changed her appearance. Her clothes, jewelry, shoes. New hairstyle. Amy wanted to be Raine.”
“And Raine didn’t care?”
“She was desperate for help.” She closed and reopened her eyes. “Ask Amy.”
“I’ve tried. I can’t find her.”
Maria didn’t appear surprised. “I’m sure she’ll turn up.”
“Was Mrs. Hale’s death a surprise to you?”
“She’d been mentally sick for a few years. Her body seemed strong, but her caregivers were worried about clots.” She moistened her lips. “Why do you care about Mrs. Hale and Amy?”
A half grin tugged. “Maybe I’m getting old. Chasing ghosts.”
Her blinks were slowing. “Where’s Molly? Gabe was supposed to bring her by today.”
The air tensed. “He’s been arrested.”
“Why?”
“For poisoning you.”
“That’s crazy. He doesn’t have the nerve. He can’t survive without me.”
I wasn’t so sure about that. “Raine is his lawyer.”
She nodded as her eyes drifted closed and then reopened. Our conversation was taking its toll, and she didn’t have the energy to be shocked. “She’s a good lawyer.”
“I can ask Edith to bring Molly by.”
“Call Raine. She’ll bring her.” A half smile.
“Did you sue Raine?”
She inhaled slowly. “That was a mistake. I was upset. Feeling pressured by bills. I was going to take it back.”
“Did Gabe press you to file the suit?”
Maria hesitated. “No. He just went along with it.” She relaxed deeper into the pillow. Her eyes watered as she stared at the ceiling.
“If the suit was successful, that would’ve been worth millions to you.”
“Maybe. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter now.” She shook her head slowly. “Gabe didn’t hurt me, if that’s what you’re suggesting.”
Made sense she’d defend her husband. Domestic violence victims rarely testified against their spouses. The devil you know.
“Amy made no secret she loved the estate,” I said.
“That’s ancient history.”
I thought about Amy’s social media images. She still looked so much like Raine. “Is it?”
Maria met my gaze. “Yes. But do me a favor. I want Molly out of Edith’s house.”
“Are you afraid for the child?”
“Raine will protect her.” She drew in a ragged breath.
“I thought you two weren’t on good terms.”
“I was foolish. Selfish. But Raine will step up. Molly is a Hale. We protect our blood and keep our secrets locked behind closed doors.”
“What are your secrets?”
A smile teased her lips as her eyes drifted closed. “No secrets. I can’t afford them. When do I get out of here?”
“Dr. Webber needs more time. She wants to run more tests.”
“I want out.”
“I’ll talk to Dr. Webber.” I said it to humor Maria. She barely had the horsepower to talk, let alone walk. “Are you having an affair?”
A wan grin. “Who said that?”
“Gabe.”
“When would I find the time?” Eyes closed. “He’s transferred his sins on me.”