Page 57 of He Doesn't Deserve You

“Maggie,” Emily whispered.

“Could you speak up, please?” Detective Martin requested.

“I said, Maggie,” Emily repeated, louder this time.

“And have you ever had a confrontation with Maggie?” he asked.

“Once, yes,” she responded.

“Have you ever been to Maggie’s apartment?” Detective Martin questioned.

“No,” Emily answered.

“Are you sure?” Detective Martin produced a clear bag containing a scarf. “Do you recognize this scarf?”

“Yes, it’s mine,” she replied.

“How can you be sure it’s yours?” he asked.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind Gianni Versace,” Emily explained.

“Do you know where we found this scarf?” the detective asked.

“Yes, you found it at the crime scene,” she acknowledged.

“You stated earlier that you’ve never been to Maggie’s apartment. Do you still stand by that?” Detective Martin asked.

“Yes, I’ve never been there,” Emily replied firmly.

“If you’ve never been there, how did your scarf end up at the scene?” he pressed.

“I think my husband planted it to frame me for her murder,” she answered.

Detective Martin leaned in, his gaze piercing. “Do you know what I think?” he began. “I think you discovered she was carrying his baby and that he intended to leave you. Enraged, you went to her apartment to confront her. In a fit of fury, you strangled her with your scarf and, in your haste, left the incriminating evidence behind.”

“What? No! He wasn’t leaving me.”

“So, despite his infidelity, you didn’t want him to leave you?”

Emily’s lawyer, Stanley, gently tapped her hand.

“No, that’s not what I’m saying. I was the one leaving him! You saw my luggage,” she exclaimed, desperation evident in her eyes.

Stanley shook his head slightly and tapped her hand again, a silent reminder to stay calm and say nothing else.

Detective Martin stood up, leaning in close to Emily’s face. “Admit it—you hated her, and you killed her!” he accused.

“No!” she cried out, her voice breaking.

Stanley rose to his feet, his voice firm and authoritative. “This interview is over.”

Detective Martin turned off the recorder and then left the room.

30

After leaving Roman’s house and suspecting Emily of having an affair with him, Gabriel went straight to the bar.

He knocked back a shot of whiskey and immediately signaled for another. The bartender, accustomed to such requests, promptly refilled his glass. Gabriel downed the second shot and slammed the empty glass on the bar. “Give me a Miller Lite,” he demanded.

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