Chapter 18 - The Fall of the Hale Family
Derek wasn't kept in the bedroom for long.
That wasn't the point.
The officer unlocked the door minutes later.
But Derek emerged furious enough to make several mistakes.
He shouted at me.
He shouted at Allison.
He accused Emma of betraying the family.
Then he turned on Brenda.
"This is your fault."
Brenda stared at him.
"My fault?"
"You told me she'd cooperate."
Every person in the foyer heard him.
So did Detective Martinez.
His attorney closed his eyes.
Derek kept talking.
"You said the breakfast thing worked before."
Brenda hissed, "Stop talking."
"You said once she was embarrassed in front of everyone, she'd want to prove she could fit in."
"Stop."
"You planned the whole thing."
"Derek."
"You made the damn binder!"
Brenda slapped him.
The sound cracked through the foyer.
Nobody moved.
Derek stared at her.
Brenda realized too late what she had done.
In front of police.
In front of witnesses.
In front of cameras.
Her control was gone.
And without control, Brenda Hale looked surprisingly ordinary.
Detective Martinez asked both of them to separate again.
By evening, the investigators had enough information to continue the case formally.
I was careful not to ask what charges would be filed.
That wasn't my job.
My job was leaving.
My father carried my backpack.
Emma brought my suitcase down.
Allison stood beside the front door.
Before I stepped outside, I looked back at the dining room.
The greasy stain was still visible on the floor.
Nobody had cleaned it.
Brenda noticed me staring.
I met her eyes.
"You told me it was my job."
She said nothing.
I smiled.
"Looks like you're going to need a mop."
My father almost laughed.
We walked outside.
The front gate was no longer blocked.
Police had ordered the SUV moved hours earlier.
I stopped beside my father's car and breathed cold air into my lungs.
Free air.
Nobody was telling me where to stand.
What to sign.
How to behave.
My father opened the passenger door.
Before I got in, Allison called my name.
I turned.
She handed me a small card.
Her phone number.
"If you ever need someone who understands."
I hugged her.
Then I hugged Emma.
Emma whispered, "I'm sorry."
I whispered back, "Do something with that guilt."
She nodded.
"I will."
As we drove away, the mansion disappeared behind the trees.
I thought I would feel devastated.
Instead, I felt lighter with every mile.
Then my phone buzzed.
Olivia.
You need to freeze your credit immediately.
My heart sank.
May you like
A second message arrived.
They opened something in your name three days before the wedding.
