Page 96 of Tangled Trust

"Sure."

"Get Mr. Moore’s ex to the station, please. I think it's time we had a little chat with her.”

"Will do."

I call him back a few minutes later.

"And?"

"She’s a better actress than I expected, Detective. She kept her cool when I asked her to meet me."

"Yeah. I think you’d better send a car just in case she decides to do a runner. She’s the kind of suspect whose passport is most certainly up to date."

"I’m already on my way, Sir."

"Good man."

* * *

"I’m in trouble," I yell into my phone at my therapist.

"What’s wrong, Amanda?"

"I did something crazy."

"Are you in danger? Where are you?"

"I’m at home."

"Come to the office, Amanda. Let’s talk."

"I can’t come in now; that’s why I’m calling you. You need to help me, Doc. I’m in trouble!"

Does this woman ever hear me?

"Okay, Amanda. Take a deep breath and try to calm down."

I take a few deep breaths before I carry on.

"Okay. That’s better," she says. "Now, tell me exactly what happened. What did you do?"

"All I wanted was for Ella to leave Carter alone. That’s all. Now everything is a mess, and I don’t know what to do."

"I don’t understand. Did you do something to Ella?"

"No! I didn't, but I know who did. Actually, I’m not sure what he did to Ella, but I think it’s bad."

"I’m going to need more information if I’m going to help you, Amanda. Why don’t you start at the beginning."

I explain to my therapist exactly what has happened and my involvement in the sordid mess. I feel better once it’s all out, if only marginally.

"Now the police are waiting for me at the station. They want to talk to me. They say it’s routine, but I don’t know if that’s a trick or not."

"Amanda, you have to tell them the truth. What will you do if something awful happens to Ella? How will you live with yourself? How will Carter feel about your relationship?"

I know she’s right, but I’m afraid.

"I can’t go to prison. I just can’t. I’d rather die than spend my life behind bars!"