Page 69 of I Know She Was There

“I don’t need a lawyer. I don’t own anything.”

Jeffrey drummed his fingers on the table as he looked at his water glass, clearly in thought. Eventually, he said, “You mentioned your mother died recently. What about her estate?”

I blinked. “Tim and I went through the things in her apartment. I chose whatever trinkets I wanted, and we donated the rest.”

“I’m sure you didn’t donate her money.”

“Tim told me she didn’t have much. A few bonds and a couple thousand in her checking account. I must admit, I didn’t pay much attention because by the time her will settled, I was in the institute.” I blushed. “I guess I was so distraught over Emmy, I didn’t see things too clearly.”

Jeffrey nodded, the expression on his face indicating he saw things very clearly. “You have no family left, right?”

“My dad drowned when I was six.”

“I recall you telling me that. Did your mother work?”

I nodded. “She worked for the same doctor for years,” I paused, thinking. “Probably twenty-five years.”

“She may have had a pension or 401-K. And as your father’s widow, your mother would have gotten everything that had belonged to him. What did he do for a living?”

“He was a salesman. Pharmaceuticals, like his father before him.”

“Pharmaceutical reps are often partially compensated in stock options. That could run into a lot of money.” Jeffrey’s eyes met mine. “Have you seen any recent financial statements?” When I shook my head no, he added, “I think you need to pay your husband a visit.”

I nodded. A visit was the only thing I owed Tim. He’d apparently taken everything else from me.

CHAPTER35

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Iplaced my cell phone, the running video camera facing out, in the mesh pocket along the outer edge of my handbag. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on Tim’s apartment door.

He frowned as he opened it, realizing who’d disturbed him. “I told you to stay away from my place, Caroline.”

“I know.” I tried to keep my voice steady. “But I’m extending you a courtesy you never offered me.”

His expression was halfway between annoyed and amused. “Oh yeah, what’s that?”

“I’m letting you know in advance that you will be receiving a visit from the police.”

He snorted. “What are you talking about?”

“I have excellent therapists, Tim. They’re helping me remember things—things I’m sure you’d prefer I never recall.” I made sure to project my voice so the residents of nearby apartments could hear me. “Like when you told me my mother had no money when she died. Or that you allowed everyone to believe it was my fault our daughter died when it was yours.” I swallowed the choking tightness in my throat.

Tim’s eyes sprang comically wide. He looked like a cartoon character. If the topic of my outburst hadn’t been so devastating, I’d have laughed. Before I could even ask, Tim stepped aside and ushered me in. It was seven thirty, just after the dinner hour. I imagined he didn’t want to risk any of his neighbors hearing my allegations.

I stepped into his vestibule, my jaw dropping as I peered into his living room. The rich leather sofa, cream linen chairs, and plush rug as thick as a mattress looked like something in a high-end showroom.

“This isn’t what you think,” said Tim, standing in front of me in what appeared to be a vain attempt to block my view. “This furniture belongs to my girlfriend.”

“Is she a Kardashian?”

“No, just an attorney. Now, what did you need to tell me, Caroline? You think Imurderedour child?”

“Not murdered. Neglected.” I tried to keep my voice from shaking. “But the result was the same.”

“Obviously your new meds need adjustment.”

“Be sure to share your expert opinion with the police when they arrive, Tim. I’m sure they value the medical insights of mechanical engineers.”

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