Chapter 15 - A Bouquet of Threats
The police officer outside Margaret's room had stepped away to respond to another call. Frank wore a visitor's badge and carried yellow roses.
"Get out," Ethan said.
Frank stayed near the door. "I'm here to apologize."
"Then apologize to the detective."
Frank glanced toward Margaret. "You remember the promise, Maggie. We both kept it."
She sat straighter. "I kept mine to protect a child. You kept yours for money."
Ethan pressed the nurse-call button.
Frank's face tightened. "Richard will drag everyone down. Me. You. Even Daniel. He wasn't a saint."
"Neither are you," Margaret said.
Frank placed the roses on the floor and left when security arrived. The hallway camera had recorded his visit. His parole-like release conditions from a separate obstruction charge prohibited contact with witnesses. Ortiz secured his arrest before he reached his car.
During questioning, Frank revised his story. He admitted falsifying the fire report and suppressing evidence, but insisted Richard had ordered only the destruction of files, not Daniel's death.
Then investigators found a wire transfer from Richard to Frank dated the morning after the fire. The payment memo read: WEST DOOR COMPLETE.
A prosecutor filed additional charges against Richard, including conspiracy, obstruction, and felony counts related to the fire. The exact homicide charge would depend on proving intent and causation.
Ethan didn't celebrate. His father was still dead, and his mother still woke at night from pain.
That evening, Claire packed the last of her belongings from Ethan's apartment. He watched her fold the sweater he'd bought her on their first Christmas.
"I meant every word of my vows," she said.
"We never got to say them."
"I know."
"I don't know how to trust you right now."
"Then don't pretend."
May you like
She left her engagement ring on the table.
A minute later, Owen called Ethan. "You need to see what's on Dad's safe-room camera. Someone went in after he was arrested."
