Victoria smiled coldly.
— The detective on the case received a very generous donation to his retirement fund. Let’s just say he didn’t have much interest in asking difficult questions.
Michael felt he had enough recorded evidence, but he needed more details about the plan for tonight.
— Victoria, about what you’re going to do to the family Ellie is with. Are you sure it’s necessary?
— Absolutely. I’ve already hired someone to take care of it. In two hours, that apartment will have a “gas leak.” Ellie, that other girl, and her mother will die in their sleep. It’ll be quick, and it’ll look like an accident.
— And then?
— And then you and I leave for Europe. I have bank accounts in Switzerland you never knew about. We can live like royalty, Michael, with no pesky witnesses and no secrets haunting us.
In that moment, Michael heard sirens in the distance, approaching fast.
Victoria heard them too, and her expression changed instantly.
— What are those sirens, Michael?
— I don’t know, — he lied, as the sirens grew louder.
Victoria ran to the window and saw the red and blue lights illuminating the driveway.
— You called the police? You betrayed me!
— Victoria, give it up. It’s the best thing you can do.
But Victoria completely lost control. She ran to the kitchen and came back with a large knife.
— If I can’t have the life I want, no one will.
She lunged at Michael, but he managed to dodge her and ran toward the front door.
Victoria chased him, screaming threats.
— I’ll kill you, Michael! And then I’ll find that brat and her friend.
The front door burst open, and Detective Peterson walked in with four armed officers.
— Police! Drop the weapon!
Victoria froze, looking around like a trapped animal.
— You won’t catch me. I have too much money. I can buy anyone.
— Victoria Sterling, you’re under arrest for the murder of Catherine Smith and conspiracy to commit multiple homicides. You have the right to remain silent.
Victoria looked at Michael with pure hatred.
— This isn’t over, Michael. I have connections. They’ll find me, and when they do, Ellie will pay for this.
— No, — Michael said in a firm voice that surprised even him. — Ellie is under the protection of the law now, and you’re going to spend the rest of your life in prison.
As Victoria was handcuffed, Michael handed his phone to Detective Peterson.
— Here’s the full confession. She admitted to killing Catherine and the plan to kill Ellie and the Millers tonight.
Detective Peterson listened to part of the recording and nodded with satisfaction.
— This is more than enough to prosecute her for first-degree murder.
As Victoria was led to the patrol car, she shouted one last threat.
— Ellie will never be safe. She’ll always remember that her real mother died because of her.
Michael felt his heart break. Even caught, Victoria continued to try to hurt Ellie with her psychological poison.
— Detective, — Michael said, — I need to get to my daughter. She’s been through too much.
— Of course, Michael, but first we need your official statement at the station.
— How long will it take?
