Page 84 of Trust No One

I shifted to my cousin. “What’s Maria’s status?”

“She’s going to be in the hospital at least a week. She wants you to take custody of Molly.”

Given the lawsuit, that was surprising. “When Maria and Gabe wrote their wills, they designated me as Molly’s guardian.” I’d been honored at the time. But I had never pictured a scenario where Maria was incapacitated, and Gabe was behind bars for attempted murder. “Edith isn’t going to be happy about the arrangement.”

“I can meet you there in an hour. We can talk to Edith together.”

“I can handle her.”

“Don’t do this alone.”

A second incoming call beeped on my phone. “I’ve got another call coming. The bail bondsman. It’ll cost me $200,000 to bail Gabe.”

“You have that kind of money?”

The money from the sale of the town house wouldn’t cover it. “I’m using Hale House and the land as collateral.”

“That’s risky.”

“For all the estate’s problems, it’s still worth a fortune.”

“Why would you put it all at risk?”

“Gabe is my friend. When we were growing up, he was always kind. I owe him my loyalty.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Raine

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 6:30 p.m.

Judson and I drove to Edith Durant’s house, lights glowing warm against the sky. As we approached, Molly’s voice carried. All the turmoil, and Edith had kept the child busy and active. Happy still.

In a day or two, Molly would question this “holiday” at her grandmother’s. She’d want her mother and father. But I wasn’t sure if she’d ever live that life again.

When Edith answered the door, she stepped onto the porch and closed the door behind her. “Where’s Gabe? Where’s my boy?”

“He’ll be released in a couple of hours,” I said.

“Why so long?” Edith demanded.

“Because the bail was set at two million dollars,” Judson said. “Takes time to process it.”

“So much?” Edith’s face hardened. “He’s not a bad guy.”

“He’s been charged with attempted murder,” I said. “His felony conviction makes him a flight risk. And police argue they have compelling evidence.”

“What?”

“I’m not at liberty to say,” Judson said.

She frowned. “Where’s he going to run to?” Edith demanded. “He has no money. His wife is in the hospital. His daughter is here with me.”

“The judge didn’t see it that way,” I said.

“What about Maria?” She folded her arms, as if to protect her body against this crisis. “What does she say about all this?”

“She wants me to take custody of Molly,” I said.