“But…if little old me could exert my influence and get Dr.Locke killed…perhaps I’m also the one who killed say…David Warren?”
“David Warren’s death was attributed to natural causes.”
“Yes, but some people—some federal agents—just stubbornly thought otherwise, yes?”A smile played at Magnolia’s lips.“But, given the events with Francis, I would think a new theory may be circulating.”
A new theory was, indeed, circulating.
“I suppose Agent Emerick thinks that I am so wickedly guilty?Responsible somehow for the deaths of David and Francis?”A soft exhale.“He’s wrong, as usual.But at least the man will stop baselessly suspecting you.I mean, honestly, we both know that David died of a heart attack.Sometimes, people just die.I bet that’s what happened to Dr.Locke, too.He just died.Such a shame.So terrible…”
“He was poisoned, Mother.I’ve read his tox screen.”
Sympathy instantly flashed on Magnolia’s face.“Hewasalways far too interested in poison.Oh, my.Oh, dear.When I rejected his last proposal of marriage, do you think he killed himself?Do you think my rejection was just too much for him to handle?”
Highly doubtful.
“Goodness.I just had the most dreadful thought.”Magnolia’s eyes were so wide.“What if Francis has been obsessed with me foryears?What if…what if he killed David so long ago?How about that theory?”
Yes, how about it.
“Perhaps the guilt just ate and ate at him…and Francis had to take his own life.”A despondent sigh from Magnolia.“Such a tragedy.Oh, well, I will grieve.Then, somehow, I will find the strength to go on.”
“I am sure that you will.”Lily pushed back a lock of hair that had slid against her cheek.“You always find that strength.”
“That’s a lovely ring,” her mother murmured as her gaze sharpened on the hand Lily had raised.“Sapphires and diamonds.Sapphires…they’re a symbol of loyalty, aren’t they?”
Lily stilled.She hadn’t taken off the ring when she came into the prison, mostly because Atlas had made her promise to never, ever take off the new engagement ring that he’d given to her.
She hadn’t wanted to break a promise to him.
“Where is your fiancé?”Magnolia asked.“I would very much like to meet him.”
Yes, she knew that.Knew that her mother had used the warden to call Atlas in for a meeting.Though they still weren’t quite sure how the warden had obtained Atlas’s private number.When Atlas had pressed him, the warden had told him that Magnolia supplied the number.
How on earth did you get that number, mother?She would save that question, for later.For now, Lily asked, “What do you want him to do?Donate to the warden?Pay him off so you get cushy treatment before your execution?”
“Oh, darling, my lawyer says I shall be getting a new trial any day.And things are quite cushy enough for me.”Her smile came and went.“No, I just want to…meet the man who is taking my daughter away from me.”
Not good.“Magnolia…”
“He’s here with you, isn’t he?I bet he is.I bet he watches over you very closely and…”
The door opened behind Lily.ShefeltAtlas.Didn’t even glance back.
Magnolia’s gaze rose.Assessed.And what could have been a flash of fear came and went in her eyes.Ridiculous, of course.Magnolia didn’t fear anyone.
Or anything.
No, that’s not true.She was afraid once.When she thought I was dying.
Magnolia rose, resplendent in her prison orange.And she offered one cuffed hand to Atlas.“Magnolia Calhoun, so pleased to meet you.”
Slow steps.Atlas extended his hand.Took hers.“Atlas Bennett.”
Magnolia’s head tilted to the left.“Youthinkyou’re going to marry my daughter?”
“I think—correction, Iknowthat I’m going to love your daughter for the rest of my days.”
“Love?”Magnolia pounced.Her grip on his hand seemed to tighten.
