Chapter 9 - The Interrogation That Changed Everything
Marcus requested an attorney before formal questioning.
No surprise.
Preston Vale arrived at police headquarters ninety minutes later.
Judge Holloway had already been informed about Marcus's arrest for unlawful entry while armed.
The firearm itself was legally registered.
The circumstances were not.
Pike questioned Marcus only about the break-in.
Marcus answered calmly.
"I entered my own home."
"It isn't your exclusive residence."
"I know."
"Why the gun?"
"I received anonymous messages saying armed intruders were inside."
"From whom?"
"I don't know."
"Show us."
Marcus handed over his phone.
The messages existed.
Unknown sender.
Someone has entered your house.
They're looking for the Sterling key.
Hurry.
Pike frowned.
The timestamps matched.
Marcus continued.
"When I arrived, police cars were already outside."
"So why didn't you identify yourself?"
"I entered through the side door."
"Why?"
"I didn't want whoever broke in to escape."
Pike watched him carefully.
"You never pointed the gun."
"No."
"You never fired."
"No."
"You immediately surrendered."
"Yes."
"Then why did you tell Adriana she didn't know what the key opened?"
Marcus became quiet.
Finally he answered.
"Because she doesn't."
"Then explain."
Marcus looked through the interview-room glass.
"No."
Pike leaned forward.
"Your wife has found forged documents."
Silence.
"Hidden assets."
Silence.
"Evidence connecting you to Daniel Vale."
Marcus's expression barely changed.
Then Pike placed one photograph on the table.
Margaret Ellis.
Marcus looked down.
His eyes softened.
Unexpectedly.
"You loved her?" Pike asked.
Marcus whispered,
"No."
"Then why that face?"
May you like
Marcus looked away.
"Because she was the only person who almost stopped everything."
