Page 140 of The Jealous Girl

‘Yes,’ I murmured, even though I’d barely heard a single word she’d said since I’d sat down in the interview room.

My gaze drifted as I glanced around, trying to focus.

Was it the same room as last time? It felt like it. The same white walls, the same minimal furniture. The only difference was the absence of PC Grove and PC Day. Their seats were occupied by new people. People in suits instead of uniforms.

Detective Constable Portman and Detective Constable Goodday.

That wasn’t good, was it?

I glanced at my solicitor to my left. Another stranger. But at least she was on my side. I studied her expression: stern and unreadable. Even she felt intimidating.

‘Ms Palmer?’ DC Goodday said.

I blinked.

‘Sorry, I was…’ I didn’t finish.

‘As discussed during your last interview, we’ve uncovered multiple sales agreements with your signature⁠—’

‘Forged signature,’ I corrected, my brain snapping to attention. I needed to stay alert, stay present.

‘And the payments linked to these sales that were transferred to an account in your name.’

‘But it’s not my account,’ I reminded him.

‘We looked into your allegations regarding the fertility of Atlas,’ DC Goodday said.

I edged forward in my chair.

‘The tests confirm he is still infertile. In addition, the foals we’ve tested so far show no genetic link to him.’

‘I was right.’ I glanced at my solicitor, smiling as relief flickered within me. They’d have to listen to me now. I’d already been proved right on this.

The look on her face told me that fact wasn’t helping me.

I swallowed.

‘We’ve also received the toxicology report, from the tests performed on Atlas immediately after the incident,’ DC Goodday continued.

‘You did tests on him?’

‘It’s standard in unexplained deaths. The toxicology report showed elevated levels of selenium in Atlas’s system.’

‘What’s that?’ I asked, my brow furrowing.

‘It’s a natural mineral that can be taken as a nutritional supplement. It’s used by the stables in controlled amounts for fertility treatment. But the levels we found were significantly higher than expected.’

‘What does that mean?’ I asked, a gnawing in my stomach.

‘It’s likely that this is the reason Atlas was acting out of character that day. More agitated. Difficult to control.’

‘You think someone increased his dosage intentionally?’ As soon as the question left my lips, I knew the answer. Not only did they think that – they thought that someone was me.

I shook my head. ‘It wasn’t me. I wouldn’t know what to give him, or how.’

‘And yet you knew about his infertility and about the supplements.’

‘Only from what I’d been told.’