Chapter Eighty

Emily recognized the individual in the investigator's office, but it wasn't the face she had expected.

The contractor was standing by a table, his knuckles pale from gripping his hands so hard. He had a recorder between himself and the investigator. Damian kept his distance from Emily as Sophia placed the closed statement on the table.

"I want to make something clear before we get started: the contractor's story is evidence, not a definitive finding of culpability," the investigator stated. "We will compare it against the other evidence and the original documents."

Emily nodded and said, "Continue, please."

The contractor gulped. "I received two separate instructions regarding security at the Carter home. Before midnight, the guards were told to leave. I was instructed to notify the police if Mr. and Mrs. Carter made an attempt to contact them," he said.

Damian asked, "Who issued the second authorization?"

The office door attracted the contractor's attention, so he gazed at it repeatedly.

"I recall the person, I'm able to identify them," he said.

He was interrupted by a knock on the door.

Ryan entered immediately without waiting for anyone to answer.

Emily's stomach tightened as soon as she saw him. "What brings you here? How did you know we were here?" She asked.

"I need to speak with you," Ryan said as his glance turned to Damian. "Only the two of us,” he added.

"You were told to talk to Sophia about the divorce," Emily responded.

“I am only requesting that you delay the divorce until the merger is finalized,” he said.

"I've already declined your offer," she replied.

Ryan lost his cool. "You don't realize how much this could end up costing me," he said.

"Tell me what actually happened," Emily replied. "Stop expecting me to protect you from repercussions that you won't clarify."

"This is not neither the right place nor time to explain it to you," Ryan said.

Damian stepped between them. "She has answered you. Get out," he said.

Immediately, Ryan pushed Damian's shoulder. The recorder rattled as Damian fumbled backwards onto the table.

"Don't you ever tell me what to do when it comes to my wife," Ryan said, irritatedly.

Damian grabbed Ryan by his lapel.

"Then stop acting like she still belongs to you," he replied.

"Damian!" Emily yelled.

Ryan swung first. His fist hit Damian's cheek. They crashed into the wall after being knocked back by Damian. Emily took hold of Damian's arm as Sophia called the investigator.

"Let him go!" Emily said.

The grip that Damian had on him loosened. Ryan's cheek  developed a red mark as he pulled himself up, out of breath.

Both of them got a stern look from Emily. "I should not be the reason for either of you to inflict harm upon yourself. If you want to demonstrate that you care about me, start by respecting what I say," she said.

Neither of them spoke.

"Until everyone calms down, this interview is over until everyone calms down."

"No," Emily said, her voice shaking yet calm. Ryan can leave. The testimony ihas to go on.”

It was as if Ryan had finally understood that she was not kidding as he gazed at her. He stopped next to Damian as he turned to go.

"This isn't over," Ryan said.

"It is definitely over between you and Emily," Damian said. "So don't make this about me."

Ryan left the room feeling angrier than he was when he came.

___

Still clearly shaken, the contractor resumed his seat. Emily went back to her chair after taking a breath.

The investigator said, "You informed us that you can identify the personwho delivered the second authorization." "Is that something you're willing to do right away?"

The contractor nodded. "Yes, I'm willing," he said as he looked at Emily.

"I didn't get what the command meant that night." I only understood it after I learned about your parents' death. I ought to have spoken up earlier.

Emily's throat became constricted. "You can still help us now. Just tell us the truth."

A picture was slid across the table by the detective. After inspecting it, the contractor placed a finger on the pictureand said, "That's the guy who sent me the second authorization."

Sophia moved closer as Damian froze.

Emily glanced down at the photograph.

She had never believed that the face staring back at her had any connection to her parents' murder.

And the investigator hadn't even uttered the name yet.