She bristled. “If he’s guilty and recanting his statement is a legal ploy, I’ll prove it. If he’s innocent and was blackmailed into confessing, I’ll prove that.”

“Blackmailed? What? That’s ridiculous, and you know it.”

His tone grated on her, but she gave grieving families a little more leeway than most people. “If it is, it will be easy enough to prove. What do you know about his sister, Marie Richards?”

That question seemed to surprise him. “She’s a sweetheart. Has two little boys. Elementary school teacher. Stan worshipped her. She divorced a couple years ago but is still close to her ex—I think it had to do with his job, but I don’t know the details. That Stan would do this to her and her family—it was hard enough on her when he confessed, and now I’m sure the media circus will be ten times worse.”

“There were only two other reporters in the courtroom,” Max said. “A print reporter and someone with a local crime blog. They don’t seem to be chomping at the bit to find out what’s going on.”

He didn’t know what to say to that. Max also didn’t understand why the press wasn’t all over this, either, though she’d watch the reports tonight and in the coming days. Friday might be a more interesting day in court, when the judge made his decision about allowing the confession.

“Simon, I have questions. I’m also going to talk to Mitch and—”

“Mitch is going through his own hell right now. He loved Victoria, even after they divorced. They were friends, they ran their business together. He wanted to come here, but I didn’t trust him not to get thrown out for saying something in court.”

“Why did you visit Stan in prison last week?”

Simon was clearly surprised that she knew. “I wanted answers.”

“Did he tell you that he was going to change his plea?”

“No. Why does it sound like you’re accusing me of something?”

“I’m asking questions, Simon. I want to know who killed Victoria and why. The embezzlement motive is weak.”

“I don’t know what you’re smoking, Maxine, but Stan confessed. He wouldn’t have confessed if he didn’t do it. My mother has aged a decade in the last two months. She rarely leaves the house. The only time I ever saw her cry was when her dad died. Until now. I will never forgive him. I always knew you were a hard-ass, Maxine, but this is beyond the pale. I hope you don’t treat my parents like this.”

He turned and walked down the stairs.