Chapter 5 - The Aftermath and the Lockbox
The police arrived with flashing sirens that turned the beautiful, starry night into a nightmare of red and blue. The estate, which hours ago had hosted the social event of the season, was now an active crime scene.
Paramedics checked Julian’s shoulder while detectives took statements. Martha stayed by Eleanor’s side the entire time, wrapped in a thick blanket, holding the girl’s shaking hands.
Eleanor directed the police to a small safety deposit box at her local bank. By dawn, a magistrate had signed a warrant, and detectives retrieved the contents.
Everything Eleanor said was verified. There were bank statements proving Henry had withdrawn large sums of cash locally on the night of Clara's death, toll booth photos showing his car near the mountain pass, and, most damning of all, an audio recording Eleanor had secretly taken of Henry threatening her brother.
Julian sat on the edge of an ambulance, watching Eleanor from afar. The guilt was eating him alive. He had spent two years orchestrating a masterclass in psychological warfare. He had romanced her, proposed to her, and married her, all with the intent of breaking her mind on their wedding night.
How could she ever look at him again?
As the sun began to peek over the Crestwood hills, casting a golden light over the ruined wedding venue, Martha walked over to her son.
“She’s going inside to change out of her dress,” Martha said quietly. “You need to speak to her.”
“She hates me,” Julian whispered, staring at his hands. “She should hate me. I’m a monster, Mom.”
May you like
“You were a grieving brother who was manipulated by a psychopath,” Martha corrected firmly, lifting his chin. “You made a terrible mistake. But you are my son, and you are a good man. Now go in there and beg for your wife’s forgiveness. Do not let Henry destroy another life in this family.”
Taking a deep breath, Julian stood up and walked into the house.
