Chapter 6 - The Wineglass
Claire returned to the mansion before dawn.
The dining room had been partially cleared, but the police evidence tape around Eleanor’s place setting remained.
Rosa let her in through the service entrance.
“They took the bowl,” Rosa whispered. “They took the packet from your purse. They did not take the wineglass.”
“Why not?”
“Officer Hale said it was only spilled wine.”
Claire looked at the stained linen.
The glass lay on its side where it had fallen.
She put on dishwashing gloves and lifted it carefully.
At the base of the stem was a faint cloudy residue.
“Bag,” Claire said.
Rosa handed her a clean food-storage bag.
“You think Daniel poisoned the wine too?”
“I don’t know.”
Claire sealed the glass.
Footsteps sounded behind them.
They turned.
Martin Shaw stood in the doorway in a charcoal suit, silver hair neat, expression calm.
“At five in the morning?” he asked. “That’s dedication.”
Claire hid the bag behind her leg.
“What are you doing here?”
“I represent the family.”
“You represent Daniel.”
“I represent the trust.”
“That’s convenient.”
Martin stepped closer. “The police are preparing a warrant for your arrest.”
Rosa inhaled sharply.
Claire said, “For what?”
“Attempted murder.”
“You seem well informed.”
“I’m trying to help you.”
“Then tell them Daniel held the packet.”
Martin’s smile barely moved. “Did he?”
Claire watched his eyes.
No surprise.
No curiosity.
He already knew.
“You gave it to him,” Claire said.
For the first time, Martin’s face changed.
Only slightly.
“That is a serious accusation.”
“So is attempted murder.”
Martin glanced toward the bag behind Claire’s leg.
“What do you have?”
“Nothing.”
He took one more step.
Rosa moved between them.
Martin laughed softly. “Rosa, please.”
Then the front door opened.
Daniel’s voice echoed through the house.
“Claire?”
Martin looked at her and lowered his voice.
“You’re in more danger from your husband than you understand.”
Claire stared at him.
May you like
“You expect me to believe you’re protecting me?”
“No.” Martin’s eyes moved toward Daniel’s approaching footsteps. “I expect you to survive long enough to understand why he married you.”
