Chapter 5: The Detective Who Closed the Wrong Case
Richard raised both hands. “Carter, put the gun down.”
Detective Carter stepped into the study. “You always were too trusting.”
Monica stood behind him, breathing hard. “You said you would handle this.”
Carter glanced at her. “And you said the child was too scared to talk.”
Richard’s voice turned ice cold. “You knew Lily saw you.”
Carter smiled. “Children forget.”
From the pantry hallway, Lily’s small voice cried, “I didn’t forget!”
Richard’s heart jumped. “Lily, stay back!”
Lily stepped out, holding Rosa’s hand. “You were in the garage. You wore a black coat. Mommy said, ‘Why are you here?’ Then Aunt Monica told me to go upstairs.”
Carter aimed the gun toward her.
Richard moved instantly, blocking Lily.
“Point that at me.”
Carter shrugged. “Fine.”
Monica grabbed his arm. “Not here! Not in front of Lily!”
Richard stared at her. “Now you care?”
Monica’s eyes filled with panic. “I never wanted the child dead.”
Carter laughed. “No, you only wanted her broken enough to stay silent.”
Rosa whispered, “You monster.”
Carter’s eyes moved to Rosa. “And you. Always listening behind doors.”
Richard said, “The recording has already been sent.”
Carter narrowed his eyes. “To whom?”
Richard lied without blinking. “My lawyer.”
Monica looked terrified. “You said he hadn’t copied it!”
Carter snapped, “Shut up.”
That was all Richard needed.
He lunged.
The gun fired.
Lily screamed.
The bullet hit the bookshelf, sending wood flying. Richard slammed Carter against the desk. Rosa grabbed Lily and pulled her down.
Monica ran for the fallen gun.
Rosa kicked it away.
Monica shouted, “You stupid maid!”
Rosa slapped her across the face. “That is for Lily.”
Richard wrestled Carter to the ground, but Carter pulled a second small knife from his sleeve.
“Daddy!” Lily screamed.
Richard caught Carter’s wrist just in time.
Police sirens sounded outside.
Carter froze. “Who called them?”
Rosa lifted her phone. “I did before the power went out.”
Monica backed away. “No. No, no…”
Carter smiled at Richard. “You think prison scares me? Ask your brother what I know.”
Richard stopped.
“My brother?”
May you like
Carter’s smile widened.
“Who do you think paid me first?”
