Page 28 of Cause of Action

“I know. But I believe that my testimony about his anger issues put the final nail in the coffin for him.” I noted his nervousness as he shifted in his seat.

“It was more the evidence the prosecution had,” I said, as my eyes diverted to the plaque that hung on the wall.

Gregory Williamson, Vice President

Realtor of the Year

Presented to Gregory Williamson

In Appreciation of Excellent Service

And Dedication

2022-2023

“Nice plaque. You must do very well for yourself here.”

“I do. Are you in the market for a house?”

“No.” I laughed. “But when I am, I will definitely call you. Thank you for speaking with me.” I stood up and extended my hand.

As I walked to the door, he called my name.

“Miss Ashley?”

“Yes?” I turned and faced him.

“Does my brother know he’s not getting out of prison?”

“He will soon enough.”

I had Ollie take me back to the office. Stepping inside the conference room, I opened my laptop and began doing what I did best: searching for articles on Williamson Development Corp. The one that caught my attention was the oneannouncing Gregory’s promotion to Vice President shortly after his brother’s conviction.

“Who was the V.P. before you, Gregory?” I mumbled to myself. My suspicions about Mr. Gregory Williamson were coming through loud and clear.

I pulled the picture of Grace Norway’s lifeless body that lay in the wooded park where two hikers found her. Grabbing my phone, I took a photo of her necklace, zoomed in, and stared at it—a diamond open heart attached to an eighteen-inch gold chain.

I called the prison and asked to speak to Theodore. After waiting on hold for over fifteen minutes, I heard his voice.

“Hello.”

“Theodore, it’s Morgan Ashley. I have a question for you. Grace was wearing a diamond open-heart necklace when she was found. Did you give it to her? Maybe for her birthday or something?”

“No. It was a gift from her mother, who lives in Texas. She gave it to her for her birthday, which was three months before she died. I was shocked because her mom had no money and lived in a trailer home. When I asked Grace how her mother could afford it, she told me that a friend had just passed away and left her a lot of money.”

“Can you give me her mother’s name?”

“Sure. It’s Melinda Norway. She lives in Austin, Texas, and works or worked as a waitress at a diner called Moody’s. What does this have to do with my case?”

“I’m not sure yet. I’ll keep in touch.”

With a few strokes of the keyboard, I checked on Melinda Norway. For someone who inherited a lot of money, she still lived in the same trailer home and worked at the diner. I dialed her number and waited for her to answer.

“Hello.”

“Ms. Norway?”

“Yeah. Who’s this?” Her voice sounded rough.

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