Page 61 of Trust No One

“What does that mean? A week or a year?”

“Until I deal with Hale House. That won’t happen in a week or likely a year.”

“What are you going to do with the house? The land?”

“Not sure yet. All comes down to money.”

“You’re a Hale. Money shouldn’t be a big problem.”

Most assumed the Hale fortune was as deep as the ocean. Few knew it was as shallow as a puddle. “When can I see Molly?”

“You and Maria haven’t spoken in a year. Why now?”

“I want a relationship with Maria and also Molly. They are my only family. I want to turn the page.”

“I’ll think about it. Obviously, we have a lot going on as a family now.”

She said family in a way that didn’t include me. “I’ll ask Maria,” I said.

Edith’s frown soured. “Thank you for stopping by, Raine.”

“I’ll see you soon, Edith.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Judson

Monday, October 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

I’d let Raine slip away seventeen years ago. Football had been a means to an end. I wasn’t the most talented player, but I could outwork anyone. Riding the pigskin to a better future wasn’t easy or guaranteed, but it was all I knew. Loving Raine hadn’t been in the plan.

The rumble of a hospital cart focused my thoughts. I found Gabe sitting in the waiting room alone, a half-drunk cup of coffee in hand. When he saw me, he glanced up but didn’t stand. I sat beside him.

“How are you doing?” I asked.

“Shaken up. Relieved. Still trying to wrap my head around it all.”

“This can catch anyone off guard.” His vanishing act nagged me. Gabe wasn’t the steadiest person. Was this real panic or cover for something else? “Did you see any signs that Maria was in distress?”

“Nothing. She went for an early-morning run that day. She’s the fittest person I know.”

“What kind of medications does she take?”

“None. She doesn’t even like to take aspirin. You asked me that before. Why again?”

“Her blood work came up positive for very high levels of cyanide.”

Gabe’s gaze snapped up to mine. “How’s that possible? It’s a mistake.”

“It’s not. Dr. Webber ran the test twice.”

Head shaking, he searched my face for any chance I was bluffing. “This doesn’t make sense.”

The cyanide had been in both Maria’s and Gabe’s wineglasses. Meaning he could’ve also been a target, too. “You don’t drink wine, do you?”

“Not much. I bought a bottle for Maria. Kind of a peace offering. She served some at dinner the other night. Said it was nice to treat ourselves. I took one sip but didn’t like it.”

“How much did she drink?”