Page 88 of The Nature of Secrets

“We met at a friend’s anniversary party,” Dagne explained. “He was with the caterer.”

Sounded like the bastard stuck with a tried-and-true strategy. Or maybe food service and laying on the charm were his only business skills. No, that wasn’t right. Celine Jones had mentioned his ability with accounting software.

“We dated for a few weeks,” Dagne continued. “I selfishly thought I should grab on to whatever happiness I could for however long possible. Then my condition worsened, and I was forced to tell him about my diagnosis.” She clutched the arms of her wheelchair. “I assumed he would disappear, but he didn’t. He insisted on doing all possible to make my life comfortable and to ensure my happiness. For a time, he was like a godsend. I felt truly blessed.”

Finley and Lawrence waited while she composed herself. “I gave him access to one of my accounts. I provided him with a credit card, a car. He moved into the house. And then large sums of money started to disappear. He had no idea that my accountant monitored all my accounts. I’d asked him to begin that service when I was diagnosed. I have no family, so I couldn’t be certain what sort of help would end up taking care of me.”

“There were a number of measures,” Lawrence offered, “we instituted for when Meredith felt she would be more vulnerable.”

“Lisa wanted me to press charges against him,” Dagne went on. “But I couldn’t. There were things I didn’t want to be made public, and when I confronted him, he threatened to do exactly that.”

“Which is why I met with him last Friday,” Lawrence explained.

“The final payoff,” Finley guessed. What a bastard.

“Five hundred thousand for his continued silence,” Dagne said. “I had to consider the value of my peace of mind.”

“How could you be certain that would keep him quiet?” Finley directed this at the attorney.

“It was a twofold payment. Half a million now and another half million upon her death. As long as he kept his word.”

Unbelievable. Finley turned to Dagne. “May I ask you a personal question?” Everything she’d heard so far was exactly what she’d expected, but it didn’t connect Marsh to Dagne.

Dagne laughed softly. “What could possibly be more personal?”

“When you met him, were you seeing a therapist?”

Dagne frowned. “I was. How did you know?”

And there it was. “Dyson-Mekler?”

Surprise flared in the older woman’s eyes. “I still see Dr.Mekler.”

Finley pushed to her feet and walked to where Dagne sat. She showed her a photo of Marsh. “Did you ever see this woman at his office?”

Understanding fell over the older woman’s face. “Yes. Until she left last September or October, she was the receptionist. She was always so kind and helpful.”

Finley showed the photo to Lawrence, then returned to her seat. “I have reason to believe this woman is his partner.”

Dagne held Finley’s gaze for a long moment. “And you say he is dead?”

“Yes.”

Dagne nodded. “Good.”

When the nurse insisted it was time for Mrs.Dagne’s afternoon nap, Lawrence offered to drive Finley to the airport. If she was lucky, she could catch the earlier flight. She needed to get back to Nashville ASAP.

“What’re you going to do?” Lawrence asked.

Though Finley had not mentioned their client, Lawrence was aware the firm was representing someone related to Grady-Wilensky.

“It’s a sensitive situation,” Finley agreed. “But you have my word I will inform the detective on the case about all that I’ve learned, and I’ll give him your contact information.” That she could do without divulging details about Lawrence’s client. If a criminal case related to Marsh was opened, involving Dagne would be the detective’s battle with Lawrence.

“Thank you,” Lawrence said when she’d pulled to the curb at the drop-off zone. “As emotionally draining as this was for Meredith, I’m certain it’s heartening to some degree for her to know she wasn’t the only one who fell for him.”

“I’m sure,” Finley agreed. “Thank you.” She reached for the door. “It was a pleasure to meet you.”

“I looked you up, Finley O’Sullivan,” Lawrence said, waylaying her. “I don’t know the details of why you’re doing this investigator gig, but judging by your record as an ADA, if you ever want to go back into practice, call me. I can always use another warrior.”

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