Chapter 10 - The Wrong Woman in the Police Interview|
Tessa began crying before the police arrived.
At first, she looked shocked.
Then frightened.
Then furious.
“Colin, tell her!”
My husband stood perfectly still.
“Tell her what?”
“That you gave June the necklace!”
Colin glanced toward the surrounding guests.
“Tessa, lower your voice.”
She stared at him.
“Are you kidding me?”
Marlene stood beside a hotel security supervisor.
She had already contacted her attorney and requested that the necklace be secured as potential evidence.
Colin tried to regain control.
“There's clearly been a misunderstanding.”
Marlene turned toward him.
“A misunderstanding involving pledged collateral?”
“Mrs. Shaw, I can explain.”
“Then explain to the investigators.”
He went silent.
I watched the entire scene with a strange feeling.
In my first life, I had been the woman standing in the center of the room.
Terrified.
Ashamed.
Begging Colin to defend me.
Now Tessa stood where I once had.
But I didn't feel happy seeing her frightened.
I felt something colder.
Determination.
Because humiliation wasn't enough.
I wanted the truth.
When the police arrived, I provided my phone messages and the photographs taken on October 8.
I also gave them Nadine's contact information.
Tessa confirmed that I had loaned her the necklace.
Colin confirmed that he had presented it to me as an anniversary gift.
And Marlene produced documentation showing the necklace remained pledged collateral.
An investigator looked toward Colin.
“Mr. Mercer, how did you obtain the necklace?”
Colin hesitated.
“It was arranged through the company.”
“By whom?”
“Our asset management department.”
“Do you have written authorization?”
“I'm sure the paperwork exists.”
Marlene folded her arms.
“Then I'd very much like to see it.”
Tessa stared at Colin.
“You told me June was being spoiled.”
He didn't answer.
“You told me the necklace was completely legitimate!”
Colin's expression hardened.
“Tessa, don't say anything else without an attorney.”
She stepped backward.
“Why would I need an attorney?”
Nobody answered.
I stood quietly beside Nadine, who had arrived shortly after receiving my call.
For the first time, I wasn't alone.
And Colin wasn't choosing my legal representation.
Before we left, an investigator approached me.
“Mrs. Mercer, there's one thing we need to clarify.”
My stomach tightened.
“What?”
“Your signature appears on a collateral release authorization.”
I nodded.
“I know.”
“You deny signing it?”
“Absolutely.”
The investigator studied me.
Then said:
“That's interesting.”
“Why?”
“Because the employee responsible for verifying that signature has also come forward.”
My heart began pounding.
“Who?”
“Owen Pierce.”
I stared.
The investigator continued:
“He says your husband personally instructed him to approve the transfer.”
I looked across the ballroom.
Colin was standing beside Roland Shaw.
Both men looked furious.
Then the investigator added:
“But there's a complication.”
I swallowed.
May you like
“What complication?”
“The company vault still contains a necklace that appears identical to this one.”
