Chapter 10: The Accident That Wasn't an Accident
"Your mother-in-law has just made a statement claiming that Michael's death was connected to the same fertility arrangement.""
The officer's words seemed to drain the warmth from the night.
I held Oliver against my chest while Daniel stood several feet away, staring at the ground.
"Officer, what exactly are you investigating?""
The officer introduced himself as Detective Harris.
"Mrs. Mitchell, six years ago, Michael Mitchell died in a single-vehicle accident. Recently, information emerged suggesting that certain medical and financial records connected to his estate may have been falsified.""
I looked at Daniel.
"Why didn't you tell me?""
He rubbed his forehead.
"Because I didn't know everything.""
"That's becoming your favorite excuse.""
Detective Harris asked whether we could speak somewhere private. An officer stayed with Oliver while I followed him into a small airport administration office.
Daniel came behind us.
Patricia was not invited.
The detective placed a photograph on the table.
It showed Michael's damaged vehicle resting against a roadside barrier.
"Do you recognize this?""
I nodded.
"I saw it at his funeral.""
"Did you know Michael had visited St. Catherine's Medical Center two days before the accident?""
"No.""
Detective Harris opened another folder.
"His medical records indicate he was scheduled to sign documents related to a reproductive donation arrangement.""
My stomach tightened.
"Was that arrangement connected to Oliver?""
"That's what we're investigating.""
Daniel finally spoke.
"Michael wanted to have a child before he died. Mom arranged the medical appointments.""
"Why didn't he just sign the documents himself?""
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
"He did.""
The detective turned another page.
"Then why was his final consent document signed after his death?""
Silence.
I stared at Daniel.
"What?""
He lowered his head.
"Mom said the clinic needed one more authorization.""
"Daniel, Michael was dead.""
"I know.""
Detective Harris placed a photocopy of the document in front of him.
"Mr. Mitchell, this signature appears to have been dated three days after your brother's funeral. Can you explain that?""
Daniel swallowed.
"Mom handled the paperwork.""
"Did you witness the signing?""
"No.""
"Did you submit the document?""
Daniel hesitated.
Then he nodded.
I felt my stomach turn.
"You helped her.""
"I thought it was just administrative.""
"You submitted a document pretending a dead man had signed it!""
He raised his voice.
"I didn't know what else to do! Mom said the entire arrangement would collapse.""
The detective leaned forward.
"Mr. Mitchell, did your mother know Michael intended to withdraw from the arrangement?""
Daniel looked up sharply.
"Who told you that?""
Detective Harris closed the folder.
"Michael sent an email to his attorney the evening before the accident. He stated that he no longer wanted Patricia involved in his medical decisions.""
I stared at the photograph.
Michael hadn't wanted this.
Patricia had apparently ignored his wishes even before his death.
"Was his accident investigated?"" I asked.
"Yes. At the time, it was considered accidental. But we recently received a statement from a former employee of the fertility clinic.""
The detective showed me a photograph of a woman.
"Her name is Karen Wells. She worked in medical administration. She claims Patricia asked her to alter several records.""
Daniel stood abruptly.
"That's ridiculous.""
Detective Harris looked at him.
"Sit down, Mr. Mitchell.""
Daniel obeyed.
I looked toward the detective.
"Is Patricia a suspect?""
"We're investigating possible document fraud, financial misconduct, and interference with medical records. We have not established that she caused Michael's death.""
I nodded slowly.
I didn't want speculation.
I wanted evidence.
And I wanted my son safe.
When the interview ended, an officer escorted us outside.
Patricia was sitting in the back of a police vehicle, furious.
She saw me holding Oliver's hand.
"Sarah! You have no idea what you're doing!""
I kept walking.
She shouted again.
"Your mother promised me she would never tell you!""
I stopped.
Slowly, I turned.
"What did my mother promise?""
Patricia pressed her face toward the open window.
"She knew Michael wanted you!""
My blood ran cold.
Detective Harris immediately approached the vehicle.
"Mrs. Mitchell, I need you to stop speaking.""
But Patricia continued.
"Your mother knew everything about the original arrangement. She helped Michael prepare the documents before he died.""
I stared at her.
"Why would my mother help Michael?""
Patricia laughed bitterly.
"Because she knew something about Daniel that you never did.""
Daniel stepped forward.
"Mom, shut up!""
For the first time, Patricia looked frightened of her own son.
I turned toward him.
"What does she mean?""
He didn't answer.
Then my phone rang.
Rachel Bennett.
"Sarah, I need you to come to my office tomorrow morning. We've received a document from your mother's estate that could change everything.""
"What document?""
"A letter addressed to you. It was placed in a sealed envelope with instructions that it should only be opened if Patricia ever attempted to claim Oliver permanently.""
I looked at Daniel.
He was staring at me as though he'd just seen a ghost.
And suddenly, I understood.
My mother had known this day might come.
May you like
She had left me something.
And whatever it contained, Daniel was terrified of it.
