“There were four other files, with pictures of Abrams, Mercotti, Ludlow, and Sadie Vauk. Those cases will all be closed now.”

Lila felt a wave of satisfaction, knowing that those families would finally get closure.

“And there was another file,” Andi said with a hint of a smile. “It had pictures of Gavin’s mom, Amy, hitting her second husband with a brick.”

“Assault?”

“Murder. When they showed her the pictures, Amy confessed to killing her husband, but claims it was self-defense.”

“A family of sociopaths.”

“She also killed Sadie Vauk.”

“So Sylvie…She didn’t…?”

“Apparently Sylvie told you the truth about that. The mother hasn’t confessed to it yet, but they found a gun under her mattress. It’s the right caliber. We’re testing blood found on both the gun and the car. I’ll give you ten-to-one odds that it’s Sadie’s. Amy’s never going to see the outside of a prison.”

Lila felt a sense of relief wash over her. Sylvie was willing to go to prison rather than help Gavin with his plan. “What about Sylvie?” Lila asked. “Who’s handing that case?”

“I’m holding on to it.”

“I believe her—that she didn’t plan for Gavin to rape me that night. What she did was…reprehensible, but she didn’t set out to have things go that far. I guess, what I’m trying to say is…I forgive her. I know she has to face the consequences, but…I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I don’t want to see her go to prison.”

“You’re the victim, so of course your position will be taken into consideration,” Andi said in a very lawyerly tone. Then she gave Lila a slight smile and added, “I’m sure we’ll work something out.”

Andi stood to leave, but stopped. “Oh, I almost forgot.” She reached into her jacket pocket and produced a piece of paper, then handed it to Lila.

Lila unfolded the paper and saw the letterhead of Edward Chappelle, Attorney at Law. She read.

Dear Ms. Nash,

I wish to extend my sincere apology for acting rashly in our first meeting. I look forward to many years of cordial yet spirited contests with you.

Respectfully,

Ed Chappelle.

Lila laughed to herself, and said, “I think I’ll frame it…and hang it on my wall.”

Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Joe called Lila that night to tell her that his assignment had run its course and he was coming home. It was a nine-hour trip and she ordered him to stay in North Dakota one more night. She didn’t want him driving tired.

She didn’t tell him about Gavin Spencer or the bridge. She would save that discussion for when he got home—she knew it would be a long one.