Page 59 of He Doesn't Deserve You

“DUI,” the officer replied.

“Where’s Emily?” Gabriel urgently questioned Detective Martin.

“She’s with her attorney,” the detective replied.

“I need to see her,” Gabriel demanded, his voice dripping with desperation.

“You’ve got your own problems to deal with right now,” Detective Martin warned.

“What has she been arrested for?” Gabriel pressed on.

“Murder,” the detective responded flatly.

The word hit Gabriel like a sledgehammer, sobering him instantly. It took a moment for him to gather his senses. Swallowing hard, he asked, “Who?”

“Maggie Culliver.”

Gabriel couldn’t bring himself to believe it. “No, that’s not possible,” he stammered, his entire body beginning to tremble. He broke down into sobs. “I need to see her.”

“You can’t right now,” Detective Martin said firmly.

“Then could you at least send Daniel Kaufmann in to see me when he’s done with Emily?” Gabriel pleaded, his voice quivering.

“Who?” Detective Martin asked, furrowing his brow.

“Daniel Kaufmann, our attorney.”

“I don’t know who that is. Emily’s lawyer is Stanley Kensington.”

“Really?” Gabriel said, surprised. “Okay, well, can you send him in to see me?”

“Sure,” Detective Martin said, before leaving.

After Gabriel’s booking process, he was escorted to an interrogation room where Detective Martin awaited him.

“Have a seat,” Martin directed.

As Gabriel sat down, he asked, “Can I get a cup of coffee, please?”

Detective Martin nodded to the officer who had escorted Gabriel, and the officer left to fetch the coffee.

“I’d like to ask you a few questions about Maggie’s death,” Detective Martin said, his tone measured and calm.

Gabriel hesitated. “I don’t know if I should answer them without my attorney present.”

“He’s just finishing up with Emily. He should be here in a minute.”

With that, there was a knock on the door, and Detective Martin called outChapter, “Come in.”

The door opened, and Stanley Kensington stepped into the room. He approached Gabriel and extended his hand. “Stanley Kensington.”

Gabriel shook his hand. “Gabriel Anderson. Thank you for seeing me.”

Stanley placed his briefcase on the table, then turned to Detective Martin. “Can we have a minute alone, please?”

Detective Martin rose to his feet. “I’ll be back in a few.”

As Martin exited, Stanley took a seat. “You wanted to see me?”

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