Chapter 7 - THE EASTER WITNESSES
The Easter guests began changing their stories.
At first, several defended Lenora.
Then Ashwood’s auditors froze family allowances pending review.
Suddenly, memories improved.
An uncle admitted Lenora ordered the dining-room cameras disconnected.
A cousin said Cassandra rehearsed the confrontation that morning.
A housekeeper revealed Lily’s chair had been moved close to Lenora so she could “correct the child.”
The humiliation was planned.
Lenora wanted Sarah to react violently.
Cassandra would film the response.
They intended to use it in a custody petition.
The sealed envelope in Sarah’s purse had been noticed months earlier.
Lenora believed it contained guardianship papers.
She wanted Sarah removed before she could open it.
The Easter dinner was supposed to become evidence that Sarah was unstable.
The plan failed because the bunny recorded what the room cameras did not.
Detective Bennett charged Cassandra with assault, conspiracy, witness manipulation, financial fraud, and reckless endangerment connected to Andrew’s crash.
Lenora faced charges for assaulting Lily, conspiracy, evidence tampering, financial fraud, and solicitation of sabotage.
The homicide charge remained uncertain.
Prosecutors needed to prove intent beyond intimidation.
Sarah insisted on one condition.
“Do not call Andrew’s death murder unless the evidence supports it.”
Rachel looked surprised.
“You do not want the strongest charge?”
May you like
“I want the true one.”
Truth was already complicated enough.
