Chapter 10 - The Nanny's Secret|
Margaret was brought in for a formal interview that afternoon.
She arrived with an attorney and the same composed expression she had worn for months inside my home.
I watched through a glass partition.
Detective Bennett sat across from her.
"Did you administer an unapproved sedating product to Zion Whitaker?"
"No."
"Did you possess a bottle labeled Night Calm?"
"It was a supplement."
"Who prescribed it?"
"I don't remember."
"Did you receive it from Daniel Whitaker?"
Margaret's eyes flickered.
"No."
The detective placed a photograph on the table.
It showed Margaret holding a small amber bottle outside the Westchester residence.
Margaret looked at it.
"That's not what it appears to be."
"Then explain it."
"I was helping the family."
"By giving an infant an unapproved product?"
"I was trying to help him sleep."
"Did Marcus Whitaker authorize that?"
Margaret said nothing.
I gripped the edge of the observation table.
The detective continued.
"Did you know the child was experiencing breathing difficulties?"
"Babies make strange noises."
"Did you report those episodes to his pediatrician?"
"No."
"Why not?"
Margaret's voice became defensive.
"Because his father was never home. I had to make decisions."
I felt my stomach twist.
She had used my absence as an excuse.
"Did you tell Emily Carter that the product was approved?"
"Emily was interfering with my work."
"Did you threaten her?"
"No."
"Did you tell her that she would lose her job if she discussed the product with Marcus?"
Margaret looked down.
The detective placed another document on the table.
It was a handwritten schedule.
Several dates were listed beside amounts and initials.
I recognized the initials.
M.C.
D.W.
"What are these?" the detective asked.
Margaret shook her head.
"I don't know."
"These records were found in your personal notebook."
"I don't remember writing them."
"One entry is dated the day Zion was taken to the hospital."
Margaret's eyes widened.
The detective leaned forward.
"What did you give him that evening?"
"I gave him his usual bottle."
"Was anything added to it?"
"No."
"Then why did you write the words 'reduce amount' beside the date?"
Margaret stared at the page.
I could barely breathe.
The interview continued for another hour.
When it ended, Detective Bennett came out.
"She's refusing to answer further questions."
"Is she guilty?"
"We have serious concerns, but the investigation is ongoing."
"What about Daniel?"
"We're examining the financial records and communications."
I looked through the glass.
Margaret was speaking quietly to her lawyer.
She suddenly glanced toward the observation window.
Our eyes met.
She didn't look frightened.
She looked angry.
Then she mouthed something.
I couldn't hear her.
But I understood the words.
You should have stayed out of it.
I turned toward Detective Bennett.
"She knows something else."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because she looked at me like this wasn't finished."
The detective studied me.
Then her phone vibrated.
She read the message and immediately straightened.
"Mr. Whitaker, we need to return to your house."
"Why?"
"Someone has entered the property."
"Who?"
May you like
She looked at me.
"Your executive assistant, Claire."
