Chapter 6 - The Woman Outside
Her name was Victoria Hale.
She had worked beside Emma's father for twelve years.
After his death, she had become one of the most powerful people in the company.
Emma remembered Victoria attending the funeral.
She had hugged Diane.
She had whispered something into her ear.
Emma had assumed it was sympathy.
Now she wondered.
Detective Mason questioned Victoria the next morning.
Victoria denied being near the car.
Victoria: “I was home that night.”
Officer Mason: “Your phone placed you within two miles of the accident.”
Victoria: “Phones are not perfect.”
Officer Mason: “The camera shows you.”
Victoria smiled.
Victoria: “Reflections are not identification.”
Emma watched through the observation window.
Victoria turned suddenly.
Their eyes met.
For one strange moment, Victoria looked directly at Emma.
Then she smiled.
Not kindly.
Almost knowingly.
After the interview, Victoria approached Emma.
Victoria: “Your father loved you.”
Emma: “Did he trust you?”
Victoria's smile disappeared.
Victoria: “More than you know.”
Emma: “Were you at the car?”
Victoria: “Ask your mother.”
Emma: “I am asking you.”
Victoria leaned closer.
Victoria: “Your mother is not the person you should fear.”
Then she walked away.
Emma was left staring after her.
That evening, Diane arrived.
She looked furious.
Diane: “You spoke to Victoria.”
Emma: “Why does that bother you?”
Diane: “Because she lies.”
Emma: “So do you.”
Diane went silent.
Emma: “I saw the recording.”
Diane's face changed.
Diane: “What recording?”
Emma: “The one you thought was gone.”
Diane stepped toward the bed.
Diane: “Emma, listen to me.”
Emma: “You were in the car.”
Diane: “I was trying to protect you.”
Emma laughed bitterly.
Emma: “From what?”
May you like
Diane stared at her.
Diane: “From your father.”
