—Consuela
The next day
“What are the FBI saying about the photo?” I pace around the law office of Richard’s oldest friend. He is the executor of Sybil’s trust and all of the family assets.
“My friend on the force sa
y they believe it to be real. It doesn’t appear to be altered.”
“What happens now?”
“Well…they will continue their investigation to locate her body.”
“What about her trust and the company? What happens to the estate?”
Michaelson shakes his head. His smooth bald head shines under the lighting. “That’s all it ever was for you, wasn’t it? The money?” he huffs and adjusts his tie. “Without Sybil to inherit the fortune the company will be sold off or dissolved. The house and all of the family’s personal and company assets will be auctioned to the highest bidders and the proceeds will go to the charities that Richard outlined in his Will.”
Chill bumps fan over my arms and the hair on them stands straight. “What are you talking about? That can’t be.” My pulse drums in my ears. “Richard wouldn’t have…he would have left it all to me in the event of Sybil’s death if she weren’t married or didn’t have children. We talked about this.” I blink feeling sick and confused. Richard wouldn’t have screwed me over. I gave all of my savings to that biker for the down payment to execute my plan. It was all I had left after it was botched the first time and they killed Richard instead.
“Afraid so, Consuela. You know Richard came to me two days before he was murdered, and he changed his Will and updated Sybil’s trust. Did you know he was filing for divorce? I always thought you were behind the death of Martina and his unborn son, his murder, and now I think that you did the same to Sybil.”
I lean against the glass of his window that overlooks the city below, wishing I could throw myself out of it. “How could you make such an accusation. I loved Richard,” I cry.
“Sybil told him she saw you with the pool guy. I never could prove your involvement, but I think it’s worth a call to those detectives investigating Sybil’s murder. Maybe they should reopen the investigation into Richard’s death. Martina and baby Richie too.”
“Michaelson. You don’t need to open up old wounds. I grieve for my husband every single day, and now I have lost Sybil. Do you really think I am that evil? So cold hearted that I would harm all I have left of Richard’s memory? Martina was my best friend.”
“That’s exactly what I think you conniving evil temptress. You couldn’t wait to jump into Martina’s shoes and fuck her husband.”
“I don’t have to listen to this nonsense. Maybe you should lay off the booze.” I scoff and go for my bag when he picks up the phone. I have some money put back and my passport. I could make a run for it. “What are you doing?”
“Rose. Please send in Agent Hawthorne.”
My head spins. “What are you doing, you fool?”
“What I should have done years ago. It’s too late for Richard and Sybil now but at least I know that they will rest easy because you’re finally getting what you deserve. See you in Hell.”
The door to the office opens and Agent Hawthorne says, “Ms. White. I’m going to have to ask you to come with me.”
“What ever for? Did you find my stepdaughter?”
“We can talk more at the station.”
“Michaelson. You’re my attorney.”
“Not anymore.”
Agent Hawthorne grabs my elbow roughly and pulls me out the door.
“Is Sybil alive? What’s happening? Where are you taking me? I want an attorney.”
“Ma’am, please stop talking.”
Chapter 18
—Sybil
The Night Before