Jennifer’s face was cold and angry, but her voice remained level. “The badgering and attacks on her character were relentless. It finally drove her crazy and she landed in an institution. While there, she fell and cut her leg. It became gangrenous and she died from sepsis shortly after. So, detectives, did the Morgans ruin my life? Yes. And when my husband and I looked at our house in hopes of renting it, I saw the woman who lived in the next-door house. Gabrielle Morgan. I couldn’t believe it. Oh my God, I had to live next to her. I had to find out about her. Other than some weird obsession to know why she was living there, I had no motive. Gabrielle didn’t ruin my mother. Her father did and if she was estranged from him, her family, maybe I’d get some ammunition… for what, I don’t know. Sue him, perhaps. You have to understand, I had nothing against Gabrielle. I have everything against James Morgan. Do I have a grudge against him, yes? Did I kill his daughter, his grandson? No. So either charge me or let me go.”

Gavin wasn’t buying it. But he’d have to let Jennifer go. There is no evidence that she committed these crimes. Nothing other than the fact that she lived right next door to Gabrielle. Although he seriously doubted Jennifer’s account of pure coincidence. In his opinion, it made more sense that Jennifer sought out Gabrielle Morgan, maybe to get access to Bethany and Melinda too. Maybe for blackmail?

It’s certainly possible Jennifer told her husband about Gabrielle Morgan and if Gabrielle had an affair with Ron Ballard, maybe he was getting payment in his own way to keep his mouth shut.

“Mrs. Ballard, one more question before you go.”

She lifted her eyes in a what is it look.

“Your husband, did you tell him who Gabrielle Morgan really was? Does he know your history with the family?”

“No.” Jennifer said nothing further but her jaw tensed and she looked away for a second before she brought her gaze back to Gavin’s. She picked up her purse in a motion to go.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Ballard, I know I said one more question. I might have two.” He kept his eyes on Jennifer’s. “Is your husband faithful to you?”

Her face grew taut. He could see the heat rising to her cheeks. “Very,” she said between tight, unmoving lips.

“Thank you, Mrs. Ballard. That will be all.”

Gavin and Warren sat in silence until Jennifer was out of the room. “What do you think, Mitch?”

“I want round the clock surveillance on her.”

32