Molly jumped back. “Oh my God, you’re insane! Stay away from me!” she yelled, quickly reaching for her phone. “Get away from me! I’m calling the police!”

Val broke out of Gwen’s grasp and lunged at Molly, trying to pull the phone from her hand. She continued to spew accusations as she yanked at her. Val didn’t stop struggling until she felt an intense pain on her arm, forcing her to release the grip on the phone, and Molly. Molly had bitten her.

Val screamed loudly and continued to scream as Gwen grabbed her, dragging her away as Molly ran towards the house, and inside the front door.

“Get a hold of yourself, Val!” Gwen yelled. Her hands were firmly on Val’s shoulders, shaking her, trying to drive common sense home. “What happened back there? You’re losing it. Jesus Christ, Val, you know I thought this was a bad idea all along. It’s just gone from bad to worse. In fact, it doesn’t get any worse than this.”

“You’re right it doesn’t get any worse than this. That person isn’t Molly Dolan. I knew it from the moment I saw her.”

Val couldn’t help but notice that Gwen was looking at her as if she was out of her mind.

“Who is it then?” Gwen asked, exhausted.

“Julia DeHaviland!”

39

Over the next hour, several angry messages were left on Val’s voicemail. All from Gavin. Molly Dolan had called him. He knew what had happened, and in detail. And he was pissed. Without some proof to support her suspicions though, Val was screwed. She had nothing.

Maybe I am going crazy, Val thought. Molly really appeared stunned by the accusations.

Gwen sat on Val’s couch. “Val, procrastinating like this isn’t going to change the situation. I wish I could say more, but I never met Julia DeHaviland. I don’t know what she looked like.”

Val knew Gwen didn’t believe her. Hell, at this point, who would? Val finally picked up the phone, calling Gavin to get this part, the reaming-out part, over with.

She winced as he spoke. “Val, did you visit Molly Dolan?” His voice was on edge.

She didn’t respond.

“Were you incendiary and accusatory? Did you come off looking like a raving lunatic?” Gavin’s anger came clearly down the line.

“Maybe.” She faltered. She knew the problems she had just caused for herself and the medical examiner’s office.

“She called and complained and is threatening a lawsuit. I can’t even repeat what she said about you. She wants a restraining order. She’s afraid of you.”

“She’s afraid of me! That’s the best crap I’ve heard in a while. Take a look at her and tell me that you don’t believe this isn’t Julia!” Val continued to defend herself before he finally managed to interrupt her.