Page 56 of He Doesn't Deserve You

“Okay,” he said, as he placed the contract back into his briefcase. He then pulled out a legal pad and put it in front of him. “Now, tell me everything you know about the circumstances surrounding Maggie Culliver’s death.”

Emily spent the next twenty minutes bringing her attorney up to speed on everything that had transpired over the past week. She left nothing out, detailing the argument she had with Maggie, the blackmail, and the fact that her scarf was found at the crime scene. Throughout, he listened intently, jotting down notes and occasionally asking questions. She concluded with, “I know this looks bad, but I swear I had nothing to do with it.”

He placed his pen down, leaned back in his chair, and studied her intently, possibly gauging whether she was telling the truth. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Who do you think killed her?”

She sighed deeply. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think my husband, Gabriel, had something to do with this. He was having an affair with her. They worked together, and he’s been forced to take a leave of absence. Maybe he blamed her for that. And then, of course, there’s the whole blackmail situation.”

“And your scarf? How do you think it ended up at the scene?” the attorney asked.

“I think my husband planted it,” Emily replied. “Think about it. I have a motive for wanting her dead, so setting me up would be easy for him. He knows our marriage is over, and he knows I’m planning to leave him. He’s desperate and doesn’t want to lose his daughter. By pinningthis on me, he not only gets away with murder but also ensures he keeps custody of our daughter.”

“I believe you,” he said. “In a minute, I’m going to call the guard and let them know we’re ready for the interview. I need you to answer all of their questions honestly, even if it doesn’t paint you in the best light. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” Emily replied.

“All right,” he continued. “I want you to tell them everything you just told me about Gabriel’s involvement. It’s crucial that they consider other suspects besides you. If I feel things aren’t going well at any point, I will tap your hand. That means you should not answer the question. Are you ready?”

Emily nodded.

“Good.” Stanley stood up, walked over to the door, and opened it. “We’re ready,” he informed the guard.

Detective Martin entered the room a minute later, sat, and turned on the recording device. “Today is Thursday, October 14th. I am Detective Martin from the Hudson County Police Department, interviewing Emily Anderson in connection with the murder of Maggie Culliver. Present in the room are Emily Anderson and her attorney, Stanley Kensington. Let’s begin. Please state your name for the record.”

“Emily Anderson.”

“Thank you, Emily. Do you know a woman named Maggie Culliver?”

“Yes.”

“And how do you know her?”

“She works,” Emily paused, correcting herself, “she worked with my husband, Gabriel.”

“Did you like Ms. Culliver?” Detective Martin asked.

Emily glanced at her attorney, who gave her a reassuring nod. “Not really, no,” she replied.

“And why is that?” the detective inquired.

“I’ve recently learned that she was having an affair with my husband,” Emily explained.

“Did you confront her about this affair?”

Once more, Emily glanced at her attorney before answering, “Yes.”

“And what did you say to her?” Detective Martin continued.

“I told her to stay away from my husband,” Emily replied.

“Or what? Did you threaten her?” he pressed further.

Emily shook her head. “No! I just told her to stay away from him.”

“Are you being threatened and blackmailed, Emily?” the detective asked.

“Yes,” she admitted.

“And who do you suspect is behind that?” he inquired.

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