Chapter 2 - The LockerDaniel walked toward Elena.
“When did you last open your locker?”
“This morning,” Elena answered quietly. “Around seven. I put my purse inside before making breakfast.”
“And you locked it?”
“Yes.”
Her voice trembled, but she wasn't crying.
That bothered Daniel even more.
A guilty person might panic.
An innocent person often looked exactly like Elena did now—terrified that no one would believe the truth.
Vivian gave a dismissive laugh.
“Daniel, they found your grandmother's necklace inside her private locker. What more proof do you need?”
Daniel looked down at Elena's waist.
Her keys were still clipped to her apron.
“Officer,” he said, “was the locker forced open?”
“No.”
“How was it opened?”
Silence.
Vivian answered instead.
“With the spare household key.”
Daniel slowly turned toward her.
“You have the spare?”
“I manage this house when you're gone.”
“No,” Daniel replied quietly. “You visit this house.”
For the first time, Vivian's expression cracked.
Only for a second.
But Daniel saw it.
So did Elena.
Vivian recovered quickly.
“You're seriously suggesting I planted my own mother's necklace because you've become emotionally attached to an employee?”
May you like
Daniel said nothing.
Because he was beginning to wonder whether his mother had just revealed more than she intended.
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