Part 2
By sunrise, Brandon had regained his confidence.
Men like him always believed they could talk their way out of consequences.
His attorney arrived before breakfast.
Patricia arrived shortly afterward, dressed impeccably and wearing an expression that suggested she was attending a business meeting rather than visiting a hospital.
“My son is exhausted,” she told investigators. “Claire has always been emotionally unstable.”
Brandon nodded sadly.
“I love my wife. She’s confused right now.”
The detective simply glanced toward me.
I remained silent.
That silence gave them confidence.
They mistook patience for weakness.
The moment we were alone, Patricia approached my bed.
Her smile was polished.
Artificial.
Dangerous.
“You should reconsider what you’re doing,” she whispered.
I stared at her.
“Doing what?”
“Destroying your future.”
She adjusted her pearl bracelet.
“Divorces are expensive. Scandals are ugly. Women who challenge families like ours usually regret it.”
My eyes drifted toward the bracelet.
Then back to her face.
“Was that purchased through the Mercer Family Foundation?”
For the first time, her composure cracked.
The Mercer Foundation was their greatest source of public admiration.
Scholarships.
Hospital donations.
