Chapter 5 - The Rats Turn
With his assets frozen, his job gone, and an FBI fraud investigation looming, Julian’s life began to unravel at a terrifying speed.
And as the money dried up, so did the loyalty.
I was having tea at a café near Central Park when Vivienne slid into the booth across from me. She looked terrible. Her designer roots were growing out, and her eyes were darting with paranoia.
“I didn't know,” Vivienne blurted out, her hands shaking around a paper coffee cup. “I swear to you, Mrs. Hayes, I didn't know he hurt her. I just thought he was leaving her for me.”
“Why are you here, Vivienne?” I asked coldly, taking a sip of my Earl Grey.
“Julian is going crazy,” she whispered. “He’s drinking all day. He keeps pacing the motel room we’re staying in, talking about how Clara trapped him. He hit me last night.” She pushed back her sleeve to reveal a dark bruise on her wrist.
“I want a deal,” she begged. “If I help you prove whatever it is you’re trying to prove, you have to promise not to come after me for the condo he bought me.”
May you like
I looked at the woman who had smirked at my daughter’s casket. I felt no pity. But I needed her.
“I want the toxin,” I said quietly. “He wouldn't have thrown it away. He’s too arrogant. Find where he hid the vials he used to poison my daughter, and you can keep your miserable condo.”
