"Do you know why my mom would fake her death? Twenty years ago, you were one of her best friends. Was she having problems with Dad? Was she scared of him? Was there some other problem in her life that she talked about?" I asked, the questions rushing through my lips.

"I can't imagine why she would have done what she did. She was in love with your dad, and she certainly wasn't scared of him. That's not why she left. How could you even suggest that?"

"Because the police are suggesting that. And they're interested in you, too. You and Dad have a lot of explaining to do. You were at my mom's house the night before she was shot, and Dad was in the city the day after. Inspector Greenman will be calling you shortly. I suggest you be completely honest with him."

"The police are going to call me?" Vicky asked nervously. "Can't you just tell them what I said?"

"No, I can't. And I wouldn't avoid answering their call. It will only make things look worse for you."

"Well, I'm not talking to any cops without a lawyer."

"Whatever. Do what you want. I can't talk to you anymore, Vicky. I can't." I ended the call, feeling overwhelmed by emotion. I sat back in my chair feeling drained. I blew out a breath.

Kade gave me a compassionate look. "That was rough."

"For her or for me?"

"Both of you."

"What do you think? You heard everything she said, and you're probably more objective than I am when it comes to her."

"I think…you need a cookie." He handed me a cookie, and that made me smile.

"You're very intuitive," I said, as I took a bite of the sweet chocolate.

"Haven't heard that one too often," he said dryly. "As for what I think about your stepmother…she sounded scared and desperate, like she was afraid of losing someone she loves."

"I get that, but she acted so oddly. She didn't tell anyone about the video. She flew to San Francisco to confront my mother, but then says she didn't do that. I don't know what to think."

"When she realized your mother was alive, she became terrified that she was going to lose her husband, her stepdaughters, and the family that she loves. That's why she didn't tell anyone. She was probably hoping no one would ever know that your mom was alive."

"That's true," I murmured. "I still don't know if Vicky was telling me the entire truth about her trip up here, though."

Kade pulled out his phone and started scrolling.

"Am I boring you?" I asked with annoyance.

He gave me a pointed look. "I'm searching for the video your stepmother was talking about."

"Oh. Sorry."

"Got it," he said.

"That was fast."

"Miguel Rodriguez is a big star," he muttered.