Page 80 of Trust No One

“She’s also his wife. And my cousin.”

His expression hardened. “Focus on your client. I’ve asked the district attorney to set the highest bail he can.”

A logical move. But it was the first brick in a wall that was rising between us.

Chapter Thirty-One

Judson

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 12:00 noon

I found Maria reclining in her bed, sucking on crushed ice, and watching a television news show. When she saw me, she sat up straighter. Her eyes were alert, but her skin was pale, and dark circles smudged under her eyes.

“Tell me you’re busting me out of here.” Her voice was weak, thready.

“Not yet.” I shut off the television, pulled up a chair beside the bed, and sat so we were at eye level.

“That bad?” she said.

“You were poisoned, Maria. Your lab results show levels of cyanide in your system.”

Closing her eyes, she shook her head from side to side. “Do you know how nuts that sounds?”

“I do. I’ve had several conversations with Dr. Webber and the lab techs. I’m very sure of the facts.”

Nervous laughter bubbled. “If you think Gabe did it, you’re wrong. He doesn’t have the guts.”

I leaned forward. “I found an AirTag hidden in Gabe’s truck.”

She nodded. “I put it there.”

“Why?”

“I thought he was having an affair.”

“And?”

“Let’s say it’s been hard, but we’ll work through it just like we did in high school.”

“High school?”

“He hooked up with Amy then. When she was working at Hale House. The weekends after he tore his ACL and couldn’t play. We’ve been through worse. And we both love Molly and want the best for her.”

“Of course—you both love Molly.”

“Amy doesn’t matter. She’s a passing phase.” She fingered the IV plugged into the bright blue veins trailing up her pale arm.

“What do you remember about Mrs. Eloise Hale?” I asked.

“My aunt? When she was healthy, she was great fun. After my dad died, she had me over to Hale House all the time. She was a rock.”

“Your mom died when?”

“Eight years ago. Cancer.”

“How was Amy with Mrs. Hale?”

Pale lips thinned. “Raine thought she was doing a good job. But Raine looked the other way when Amy stole from her.”