Chapter 7: The Evidence Against Me
For a moment, nobody spoke.
The entire mansion went silent.
I looked at Daniel.
Then at Emily.
Then toward the front entrance where the police lights flashed against the windows.
“They think I did this?””
My voice barely came out.
Daniel looked away.
That hurt more than the accusation itself.
Because my brother didn’t look shocked.
He looked like someone who had been waiting for this moment.
Emily grabbed my hand.
“Michael, don’t say anything.””
I looked at her.
“I didn’t do anything.””
“I know.””
Her answer was immediate.
But fear was still in her eyes.
The front door opened.
Several officers entered.
The man leading them held a folder.
“Michael Carter?””
I stepped forward.
“Yes.””
The officer looked at me carefully.
“I’m Detective Harris.””
His expression was professional.
Not angry.
Not accusing.
But the folder in his hand made my stomach tighten.
“We need to ask you some questions regarding Emily Carter’s disappearance.””
Emily stepped forward.
“She was never missing.””
Everyone turned.
The detective froze.
For the first time, his controlled expression changed.
“Mrs. Carter?””
Emily nodded.
“I was trapped inside this house.””
The officers exchanged looks.
I expected relief.
Instead, Detective Harris looked confused.
Almost worried.
“Mrs. Carter, we received evidence suggesting your husband may have been involved.””
My heart dropped.
“What evidence?””
He opened the folder.
Inside were photographs.
Documents.
Records.
I didn’t touch them.
I didn’t want to.
“Your fingerprints were found on a lock installed inside the hidden room.””
I stared at him.
“That’s impossible.””
The detective continued.
“There are also financial transfers connected to your account.””
Emily looked at him.
“That’s not true.””
The detective looked at her.
“Mrs. Carter, we need to follow the evidence.””
I felt the room spinning.
Someone had planned this.
Someone had built a story where I was the villain.
Richard stood quietly in the corner.
Watching.
Almost enjoying it.
I looked at him.
“You did this.””
He didn’t answer.
Daniel stepped forward.
“Michael, maybe you should cooperate.””
I turned toward him.
The betrayal felt worse than anything.
“You’re helping them?””
Daniel looked uncomfortable.
“I’m trying to keep this from getting worse.””
Emily laughed.
A painful laugh.
“You’re still protecting yourself.””
Daniel’s jaw tightened.
The detective looked between us.
“Mr. Carter, I need you to come with us for questioning.””
Lily immediately grabbed my arm.
“No.””
Her small voice broke the tension.
“Daddy didn’t hurt Mommy.””
I looked down at her.
My daughter had already lost eighteen months with her mother.
I couldn’t let her lose me too.
“I’m coming back,” I whispered.
She shook her head.
“Promise?””
I knelt down.
“I promise.””
Emily touched my shoulder.
“I’ll find the truth.””
I looked at her.
“You already did.””
She shook her head.
“No.””
Her eyes moved toward Richard.
“There’s something bigger.””
The detective led me toward the door.
Before I stepped outside, I looked back.
Vanessa was standing alone.
She looked broken.
Not like someone who had won.
Like someone who had realized she was the next person to be destroyed.
Then Richard leaned toward her and whispered something.
Her face changed.
Fear returned.
I stopped.
“What did he say?””
Nobody answered.
But Vanessa looked at me.
And mouthed two words.
“Your father.””
My heart stopped.
May you like
Because my father had been dead for six years.
And yet Richard looked terrified when she said it.
