Chapter 8 - EVELYN'S LAST WORDSEvelyn Whitmore's trial lasted seven weeks.
Claire testified.
Marcus testified.
Danielle testified.
Ava did not.
Her recorded forensic interview was enough.
The prosecution reconstructed Charles's murder, Claire's disappearance, Ava's confinement and the financial conspiracy.
Evelyn maintained that everything she had done was to protect her family.
At sentencing, the judge looked directly at her.
“You repeatedly confused control with love.”
For the first time, Evelyn looked small.
She received life imprisonment.
Cross and Vale were convicted separately.
Hale received a reduced sentence for cooperation.
The empire was gone.
But before Evelyn was taken away, she requested one final conversation with Marcus.
He almost refused.
Claire told him:
“Go if you need answers. Not if you're looking for a mother.”
Marcus went.
Evelyn sat behind glass.
“You think Claire saved you?” she asked.
“No.”
“That waitress?”
“No.”
“Ava?”
Marcus looked at her.
“No one saved me. I finally stopped letting you decide what I was allowed to see.”
Evelyn smiled faintly.
“You still don't see everything.”
Marcus stiffened.
“What does that mean?”
“There was another person in the apartment the night Claire fell.”
Marcus stared at her.
“Who?”
Evelyn leaned closer.
“You've already met her.”
Marcus's blood went cold.
“Who?”
A guard announced the visit was over.
Evelyn stood.
Then she gave him one final sentence.
“Ask Danielle why she was really hired for that party.”
Marcus stopped breathing.
Danielle?
Impossible.
Marcus left the prison with Evelyn's words burning inside his mind.
But he refused to accuse Danielle.
Not without evidence.
For the first time in his life, Marcus Whitmore understood the danger of believing the loudest voice before asking questions.
May you like
He kept Evelyn's statement to himself.
For now.
