Chapter 7 - THE TRUTH ABOUT RICHARD
The official report said Richard died from a heart attack.
Thomas had never believed it.
"Why?"
"Because Richard had no history of heart problems."
"What did you find?"
"Something strange in his medical records."
Rachel immediately requested them.
There was a medication listed that Richard had never been prescribed before.
A sedative.
Combined with his heart medication, it could cause serious complications.
"Who prescribed it?" I asked.
Thomas answered.
"Margaret's doctor."
The room went silent.
Caroline looked devastated.
"Are you saying my mother killed my father?"
"I'm saying the evidence needs investigation."
Rachel agreed.
"We cannot make that accusation without proof."
But proof was coming.
The doctor who had prescribed the medication was now retired.
Thomas found him living in Arizona.
He agreed to speak with us.
His name was Dr. Samuel Brooks.
He looked haunted.
"I should have reported it."
"What happened?" Rachel asked.
"Margaret came to me after Richard had a medical emergency."
"Did she ask for the medication?"
"She said Richard was suffering from anxiety."
"Was he?"
"No."
The doctor looked at me.
"Richard had told me he was afraid of his wife."
Caroline started crying.
"Why didn't you tell us?"
"Because Margaret threatened me."
"With what?"
"She knew about an old malpractice complaint."
I understood.
She controlled people through fear.
Money.
Secrets.
Shame.
Everything.
But there was still no direct proof that Margaret had caused Richard's death.
Then Dr. Brooks remembered something.
"Richard recorded our last conversation."
"Where?"
"In my old office."
He gave us a copy.
Richard's voice came through the recording.
"If anything happens to me, look at the trust."
Then Margaret's voice.
"Richard, you're being paranoid."
He replied:
"No. I'm finally paying attention."
The recording ended.
It wasn't enough for a murder case.
But it was enough to reopen questions.
And the financial investigation was already moving quickly.
By Monday morning, the judge froze Margaret's access to several accounts.
She was furious.
She appeared in court with three attorneys.
When the judge asked about the $227,000, Margaret said:
"My son authorized those transactions."
Daniel stood.
"I authorized some."
Margaret smiled.
"Exactly."
Rachel stood.
"Your Honor, we have evidence showing that the defendant accessed the accounts without authorization and deliberately concealed transactions."
Margaret's attorney objected.
Rachel submitted the video.
The courtroom watched Margaret access the bank account.
Then heard her say:
"If Daniel ever finds out, I'll make sure Ava takes the blame."
Margaret's face changed.
The judge watched the video twice.
Then ordered a full forensic audit.
Margaret turned toward me.
Her expression was no longer angry.
It was pure hatred.
"You think you've won?"
I said nothing.
She leaned forward.
"You don't know what Daniel did."
I looked at my husband.
"What is she talking about?"
Daniel looked confused.
Margaret smiled.
"He'll tell you."
"What?"
"Ask him about the night your dress was ruined."
I frowned.
"What about it?"
Margaret laughed.
"Ask him who put the sauce on the plate."
I looked at Daniel.
He went pale.
"Daniel?"
"I swear I didn't."
Margaret stood.
May you like
And whispered,
"Your husband knows more than you think."
