Chapter 7 - The Interrogation Room
Under the harsh fluorescent lights of the Ashford County interrogation room, Eleanor Sterling sat with her posture rigidly erect, her silk blouse unwrinkled, her expression frozen in haughty defiance.
Across the metal table sat Agent Sarah Vance from the state bureau of investigation, flanked by two federal prosecutors.
"You're wasting your time," Eleanor said coldly, her voice clipped and refined. "A family dispute regarding domestic accidents does not rise to the level of federal prosecution. My son is innocent of any wrongdoing, and my legal team will have these charges dismissed by morning."
Agent Vance slid a thick manila folder across the table, opening it to reveal a series of signed bank transfers, encrypted emails, and notarized medical certificates.
"Mrs. Sterling, let's talk about the offshore accounts registered in the Cayman Islands under Clara Vance's maiden name," Agent Vance said calmly. "And let's talk about the recurring monthly payments made to Dr. Harrison's predecessor—the coroner who conveniently retired to Florida two years ago."
Eleanor's eyes flicked over the documents, her icy composure finally showing the first hairline fracture.
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"Furthermore," Agent Vance continued, leaning forward, "we have a full, signed confession from Marcus. He broke under questioning forty minutes ago. He gave us the exact location of the private burial plot on the northern acreage where Sarah's personal belongings—and Clara's wedding ring—were disposed of."
Eleanor went entirely rigid. For a long, agonizing moment, silence hung heavy in the room. The undisputed queen of Ashford County realized, with absolute certainty, that her empire of glass had shattered beyond repair.
