Chapter 7
Claire requested bail.
The hearing was packed.
She wore a gray dress and no sunglasses.
Without them, she looked smaller.
Tired.
Human.
That almost made me angry.
Monsters should look like monsters.
It would make things easier.
The prosecutor argued she was a flight risk and a danger to Dad.
Attempted poisoning.
Financial fraud.
Forgery.
Evidence tampering.
The empty casket recording.
The church outburst.
You were supposed to stay dead.
Claire’s attorney argued emotional distress.
Family conflict.
Misunderstandings over medication.
No direct proof she meant to kill him.
Then Detective Greene played audio from Dad’s home office.
Dad had installed a recorder after he became suspicious.
Claire’s voice filled the courtroom.
“If you keep asking about the transfers, I will tell Olivia the doctors said you’re losing your mind.”
Dad’s voice replied, weak but clear.
“I know what you’re doing.”
Claire laughed.
“No, Dad. You know what I allow you to know.”
The courtroom went silent.
My stomach turned.
That was my sister.
That was what she sounded like when no one else was listening.
Bail was denied.
Claire turned in her seat and looked at me.
Her eyes were wet now.
I looked away.
May you like
I could not carry her tears.
Not anymore.
