Chapter 11 – "Watching My Parents Get Handcuffed Was the Best Moment of My Life"
Thorne arrived forty minutes later.
He had two other officers with him. They took Claire's statement in the empty bedroom, her voice quiet but clear. She admitted to knowing about the fires. She admitted to covering for Richard. She admitted to everything.
"I didn't start the fire," she said. "I didn't lock the door. But I knew about it. I could have stopped it. And I didn't."
Thorne's face was unreadable. "Mrs. Vance, we'll be taking you in for questioning. You have the right to an attorney."
"I know." Claire held out her wrists. "I'm ready."
Thorne cuffed her gently and led her out of the house. As they passed Evie in the hallway, Claire stopped.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."
Evie didn't respond.
The officers led Claire to the squad car and drove away.
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Evie stood alone in the empty house, watching them go. She should have felt relief. Justice was being served. Her mother was finally paying for her crimes.
But all she felt was hollow.
