Page 70 of Tessa's Trust

Anna shifted her weight slightly. “No.”

I jolted and looked at her.

Anna kept her gaze on the sheriff. “Tessa has provided a statement to you already, and she sticks to everything that’s in it. She left nothing out.”

I gulped. I had no problem going over the day again, but apparently, that wasn’t what my lawyer wanted me to do.

“Come on, Anna,” Franco said. “I just need to get through this.”

Anna didn’t answer. I’d never really seen Anna or Clark in court, but, man, I bet they were good. So, when she didn’t answer, neither did I.

“Fine.” Sheriff Franco flipped open the top of the battered folder. “According to your client, she arrived at Sadie’s, went over the contract, and then waited for both you and Jonathan Brando to show up to sign as witnesses. True?”

Anna didn’t answer. Neither did Clark.

The sheriff continued. “At some point, everyone left, and Tessa cleaned up the interior of the main floor without going into the basement. She then went to speed dating, whatever the hell that is, at McCloskey’s before returning and noticing that the light was on. At that point, she was accompanied by the Elk County prosecuting attorney. Correct?”

Again, nobody answered.

“Subsequently, noticing the light in the basement, they walked downstairs and found the body of Rudy Brando with the deed stabbed into him. True?”

This was getting really uncomfortable. My throat was dry, so I reached out and lifted my cup to drink my coffee. The mug was thick and handmade, and I appreciated its sturdiness.

“How many times did you speak with Rudy Brando before that day?” the sheriff asked.

“I never...” I began.

Anna lifted a hand. “Why are you asking?”

The sheriff said, “Just answer the question.”

“I never met nor spoke with Rudy Brando before that day,” I said, ignoring my lawyers. It was the truth.

“Have any correspondence with Rudy Brando before that day?” the sheriff asked.

“No. I didn’t know the guy existed.” My voice rose. “Come on, Sheriff. I’d never even heard of him.”

Clark shifted his weight, reminding me to be quiet. “Why?” he asked.

The sheriff pushed a couple of pieces of paper across the table. “These are emails between Tessa and Rudy Brando where she admits to knowing about the earlier deed of sale from Sadie to Rudy.”

I frowned. “I never emailed...”

“Be quiet,” Clark said, not looking at me.

I instantly shut up.

“Where did you get these?” Clark asked.

The sheriff concentrated on watching me. “The widow supplied them.”

“I didn’t send these.” I stared at the sheriff. “You have to believe me.”

Clark slightly turned his head. “Please, let me handle this.”

“I’m trying.” It was weird being represented by lawyers. I could defend myself, but they did know a lot more than I did. However, I was getting annoyed. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” I burst out.

The sheriff looked at me directly and cut me one hard look. “Listen to your lawyers.”

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