My Fingerprint Was on the Bottle, but I Wasn’t on the Hook Chapter 09

My Fingerprint Was on the Bottle, but I Wasn’t on the Hook Chapter 09

Attorney Laura Bennett was in her forties—sharp, no-nonsense, all business. She listened to everything I had to say, and when I was done, she said one thing.

“This case? There’s no way you lose.”

She flipped through the documents I’d brought. “He’s looking at charges for attempted murder and fraud. On top of that, he was having an affair and funneling marital assets to a third party. As the innocent spouse, you’re entitled to more than just a divorce—you can go after damages.”

“What about the forty thousand?”

“We claw it back.” She adjusted her glasses. “Under equitable distribution, any unauthorized gift of marital property can be recovered in full. Amber Caldwell will have to return that down payment.”

I nodded.

“And regarding your grandmother’s estate,” Laura went on. “If Derek Foster is convicted of intentionally causing her death, state law bars him from inheriting anything. The house and all other assets would pass directly to the next legal heir.”

“Grandma only had Derek as a grandchild. Her son—Derek’s father—died ten years ago.”

Laura thought for a moment. “Then it matters whether she left a will. If she didn’t, and Derek is disqualified, the estate could pass through other statutory lines. I’ll dig into it.”

—

When I walked out of the firm, Sophie linked her arm through mine.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better.”

“Good.” She squeezed my arm. “You spent way too long taking care of everyone else. Now it’s your turn to take care of you.”

I made a sound of agreement.

Back at Sophie’s place that evening, I sat on the balcony staring at nothing. A text came through from an unknown number.

[Emma, it’s Chloe—Derek’s cousin. Can we talk?]

I hesitated, then replied, [Go ahead.]

[I heard what happened with Derek. I think there’s something you should know.]

[What is it?]

[Three months ago, Derek hit me up for money. Five thousand dollars. Said it was for Grandma’s medical bills. I didn’t think twice—just sent it. Later I asked how she was doing, and he just said everything was fine. Now it hits me—Grandma wasn’t even sick back then.]

My grip tightened on the phone. Five thousand. Plus the forty thousand loan. Plus whatever he’d been quietly draining from our joint account.

Before he killed his grandmother, he’d already bled every source of cash he could find.

—

I typed back, [Thank you for telling me. Keep a record of that transfer.
It might matter later.]

[I will. I’m so sorry, Emma. I didn’t know any of this.]

I set the phone down and watched the night sky.

Derek Foster, you just burned your whole life to the ground.