Page 62 of Trust No One

“Finished her glass. Why does this matter?”

The forensic team had taken pictures of both. The one with lipstick on the rim had been empty. The other was nearly full. “The poison caused her heart attack.”

A frown creased his brow. “Heart problems run in her family. That’s why she’s obsessed with cardio.”

“She never had any heart tests done?”

“No. I think she didn’t want to know.”

“Was she ever winded? Blue lips? Odd pains in her body?”

“No. She was in top health.”

“Okay.”

“I didn’t put cyanide in my wife’s wine or food or anything.” His voice cracked. “I wouldn’t hurt her.”

“You were having an affair, Gabe.” I didn’t have proof, only Maria’s word, but he didn’t know that.

Tension rippled through his body. “I never said that.”

“Who were you sleeping with?”

“No one. This is bullshit.”

“Gabe, you’re my friend. But if you keep lying to me, I won’t help you.”

“I’m not lying.”

“Did Maria threaten to leave you?” I challenged.

He paled. “She never said that.”

Not yet. But if she suspected an affair . . .

I leaned back. “Okay. Asking hard questions is part of my job.”

He rubbed his face. “She’s the best person I know and doesn’t deserve this.”

“Good. Then this will be easier for us both. How’s the job going?” I asked.

“Job.” Confusion pinched his features. “Fine. I picked up a little one. I’m hoping it leads to more work.”

“Money tight at home?”

He frowned, considering the question. “Maria took extra shifts. And she doesn’t like it. But it’s temporary.”

“She wasn’t hassling you about money?”

“You keep circling the same things—money, an affair. Like you’re looking for a motive.”

“I am. Someone poisoned your wife. I want to know why.”

The fear behind Gabe’s gaze hardened to something akin to survival. “It wasn’t me. I would never do that. Jesus, Judson. I love my wife.”

I’d missed their wedding. A case was consuming me, as many did in those days. I’d donated to their honeymoon fund via the wedding website. The generosity eased my guilt, and I’d gotten on with life.

“Gabe, don’t get worked up. I’m only doing my job. I need to rule you out so I can focus on other people.”