Almost as if she were speaking to herself, Sandra continued. ‘When I confronted Adam about it, he told me all he knew was that he’d inherited it after his father died. So, I guess Barry Campbell stole more than my brother from me; he also stole my father’s gun.’

The hissed confession was out, and no one moved a muscle, afraid if they so much as inhaled or exhaled, the spell would be broken.

‘After I shot Gabriel, I hit him with the rolling pin, and then I don’t know what overcame me. I just couldn’t stop until it was done.’

The dark, faraway look in Sandra’s eyes made Alyssa wonder if she was even aware of what she’d just admitted.

‘When I went with Alyssa to interview Elizabeth, I was afraid there was a chance she’d recognize me, but she didn’t, so I knew I was in the clear. But I couldn’t be positive she never would, so I knew before I left that I was going to have to get rid of her, too. I’d always planned to, anyway.’

When Joe sneezed, the spell was broken, and a cold mask fell into place on Sandra’s face. ‘None of what I said can be used. I was under duress and forced into a false confession. So, as is my right, I’d like to insist on speaking to an attorney before this goes any further.’ Unlike moments earlier when she hadn’t seemed to realize she was even speaking, her voice was now full of informed arrogance.

A maze of fury, disappointment, and betrayal replaced Hammond’s usual scowl as he stepped up. ‘I’ve got her.’ At the door, he turned back. ‘Nice work, team.’ And then he was pushing Sandra in front of him as he led her away.

For nearly a minute, the team sat speechless as they tried to process what had just happened. Finally, Joe, starting and stopping several stuttered attempts, managed to mutter, ‘I’ve gotta say, I did not see that coming.’

It took another half hour to unravel the rest of the story, and by the time they were done, everyone looked as drained as they all felt. ‘It’s been a long day,’ Alyssa said. ‘Everyone, go home and get some rest. Come in late tomorrow because I’m going to head over to the hospital first thing to visit Grace and the girls and then Elizabeth.’

Liz stood and pushed her chair back, shaking her head as she headed for the door. ‘I don’t know whether to be sad or glad that I missed this one.’

Joe patted her on the shoulder. ‘Be glad, pal. Be glad.’

One by one, the team filed out with Tony lingering behind. ‘Lys, have you got another second?’