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“I… I did. Whatever contrary thing she told you was a lie.”
Judy clenched her fist, taking a daunting step toward him.
“You had issues. I knew everything.”
“Issues didn't mean I didn't love her. Yes, she complained about how I never did enough, but everything I did was to satisfy her.”
Her scowl deepened. “You took anger management therapy. That was the first red flag for me.”
“I can explain that—”
“Fuck you and your explanation! I found the footage. The ones the cops inspected, that vindicated you. I spent nights watching it. Night and day I was fucking behind the computer, watching the footage. I had a hunch, and I wasn’t a fool to let it slip away. After weeks, I found a glitch,” she smiled maliciously.
“It was a small, unnoticeable one, but I found it. Of course, your name and success distracted the cops from really watching the footage like they should. No, you were just so good at editing that it took hypersensitivity to notice. Or did you bribe them?”
I glanced at the clock. Seventeen minutes left.
“I did nothing of such.” Ethan’s jaw tightened.
“Then tell me. Why didn’t you just leave the evidence as it was? You obviously tampered with it. I had experts inspect the footage.”
Ethan gestured frantically.
“It was to protect myself. I was undergoing anger management therapy, Olivia and I had been having issues… I was angry. The odds were against me, Laura. For years, Olivia pressed my buttons. I never suggested a divorce because of Sophie. I wanted my daughter to grow up with both parents. I wanted to give her a good life.”
He paused before shaking his head. “Why would I lose my cool over the same arguments we’d been repeatedly having? It doesn't make sense, Laura. I'm trying to make you see that I did what I did to protect myself. No one would believe I didn't push her. Everything I'd worked for would crumble. I wouldn't be there for Sophie. I had to do what I did…”
His voice reduced to a low whisper.
“…She slipped. I tried to catch her. The angle of the camera wasn't right, and when I rewatched the videos, it looked like I pushed her. I couldn’t lose twice. I lost Olivia. I couldn't lose anything else.”
“Liar,” Laura growled before pouncing on Ethan.
With a loud shriek, I jumped far back, watching as they both rolled to the ground.
Judy was now straddling him, with both hands fisting the collar of his shirt.
“All I want is justice for my best friend. I couldn't avenge my father, but I'll avenge my best friend.”
Ethan grunted. “They can't post that image. Tell your people to abort mission.”
A single tear streamed down my face when I glanced at the clock.
Twelve minutes.
“Judy… Please...” I begged.
A wave of déjà vu hit me. It's the same words I said during the fight with Dad and Ethan. I was a weak bastard who could do nothing but defend herself with meaningless apologies.
“You stay out of this,” she growled.
She moved to throw a punch, but Ethan blocked it with his palm.
Instantly, he bucked his hips and moved her to the side.
She screamed. “Justice must be served!”
She threw another punch, and Ethan dodged it.
