Page 81 of Trust No One

“Looked the other way?”

She pulled in a slow breath. “You saw how Amy changed her appearance. Her clothes, jewelry, shoes. New hairstyle. Amy wanted to be Raine.”

“And Raine didn’t care?”

“She was desperate for help.” She closed and reopened her eyes. “Ask Amy.”

“I’ve tried. I can’t find her.”

Maria didn’t appear surprised. “I’m sure she’ll turn up.”

“Was Mrs. Hale’s death a surprise to you?”

“She’d been mentally sick for a few years. Her body seemed strong, but her caregivers were worried about clots.” She moistened her lips. “Why do you care about Mrs. Hale and Amy?”

A half grin tugged. “Maybe I’m getting old. Chasing ghosts.”

Her blinks were slowing. “Where’s Molly? Gabe was supposed to bring her by today.”

The air tensed. “He’s been arrested.”

“Why?”

“For poisoning you.”

“That’s crazy. He doesn’t have the nerve. He can’t survive without me.”

I wasn’t so sure about that. “Raine is his lawyer.”

She nodded as her eyes drifted closed and then reopened. Our conversation was taking its toll, and she didn’t have the energy to be shocked. “She’s a good lawyer.”

“I can ask Edith to bring Molly by.”

“Call Raine. She’ll bring her.” A half smile.

“Did you sue Raine?”

She inhaled slowly. “That was a mistake. I was upset. Feeling pressured by bills. I was going to take it back.”

“Did Gabe press you to file the suit?”

Maria hesitated. “No. He just went along with it.” She relaxed deeper into the pillow. Her eyes watered as she stared at the ceiling.

“If the suit was successful, that would’ve been worth millions to you.”

“Maybe. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter now.” She shook her head slowly. “Gabe didn’t hurt me, if that’s what you’re suggesting.”

Made sense she’d defend her husband. Domestic violence victims rarely testified against their spouses. The devil you know.

“Amy made no secret she loved the estate,” I said.

“That’s ancient history.”

I thought about Amy’s social media images. She still looked so much like Raine. “Is it?”

Maria met my gaze. “Yes. But do me a favor. I want Molly out of Edith’s house.”

“Are you afraid for the child?”