Page 25 of Trust No One

“She’s fine. Watching back-to-back movies all day and eating ice cream.”

“That’s not sustainable.”

“I know.” Edith sounded weary. “But I don’t want her to worry.”

“Her mother is in the hospital. She needs her father.”

“He’ll be back.”

“Judson can show up at your house with a social worker and question her.”

“He can’t do that.”

“If he suspects something other than natural causes prompted Maria’s heart attack, he will.”

“What’re you saying?”

I’d been chewing on this theory for several hours. “What if Gabe did something accidentally that set all this off?”

“Like what?”

I didn’t answer, letting the silence hang between us. Stretches of stillness often teased out more than questions or statements.

“You saying Gabe did something to her?” Edith challenged.

“Only by accident.”

“You sound like Judson.”

I’d worked with cops like Judson for most of my public defender days. His methodical, quiet approach was more effective than anything boisterous and aggressive.

When Maria, Gabe, and I had run together in middle school, I’d always thought Gabe was hot. But when I’d confessed this to Maria, she’d made it clear Gabe was all hers.

Maria and Gabe had always been a solid couple. So were Judson and I. Even Ken had briefly paired with Amy. Maria once joked that Ken had chosen Amy because she looked like me.

“I want to see Molly,” I said.

“Today’s not a good day.”

“I understand. It’s late. Tomorrow then?”

“She has Sunday school tomorrow.”

“Do you really think that’s a good idea now?”

“She needs her schedule.”

“Her routine has been shattered, Edith.”

If Maria survived, Dr. Webber had hinted at permanent heart damage. Her recovery would be slow and steady. The daily routine would change drastically. Another reason Gabe needed to step up.

“Okay. Fine. I’ll keep Molly home for a few days.”

“Good. I’ll stop by and see her tomorrow.”

“Call before you come.”

“Of course.”