Brittany came out of her interview two hours later.
She was furious. Red in the face. Her mascara was smudged.
“This is outrageous!” she shouted the second she saw us in the hallway. “Ethan, your mother is manipulating everyone! She’s sick! She’s been sick for months! She probably put those pills in her own bag!”
Ethan took a step away from her.
“Did you put those bottles in Mom’s suitcase, Britt?”
Her face went white.
“Of course not! How could you even ask me that?”
My attorney, Robert Hanley, had driven down from Lake Geneva as soon as I called him from the airport. He was standing right next to me.
I looked at my daughter-in-law.
“Then explain why my bedroom camera recorded you opening my luggage at fourteen minutes after midnight.”
Brittany froze.
Nobody in that hallway moved for several seconds.
Then she laughed. A high, brittle sound.
“A camera? You have a camera in your bedroom? You spy on your own family?”
“Only after somebody started coming into my bedroom without permission,” I said. “Three days ago. You moved my jewelry box. You closed my nightstand drawer. It sticks, Brittany. I never close it all the way.”
She stared at me.
Then she spun toward Ethan.
“Tell her how ridiculous she’s being!”
Ethan didn’t say anything.
He just looked at his wife.
Detective Cho came out of the interview room behind her.
“Mrs. Wilson has provided evidence that requires further investigation,” he said evenly. “We’ll also be determining where those medications came from. And who made the call to the tip line at six o’clock.”
Brittany crossed her arms.
“You can’t prove anything.”
“That’s for the evidence to decide, ma’am,” Detective Cho said. “Not you. And not me.”
And for the first time, I watched Brittany’s confidence finally start to crack.
They didn’t arrest her that morning. They didn’t have enough yet. The detective told her not to leave the state. He told her she’d be hearing from them.
Ethan drove me home.
Brittany took an Uber.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.