“Do you need me to remind you how Kelly treated me during those three years?”
“I never-” Grandma’s voice shot up, shaky with emotion. “That was all Kelly acting out because she was unhappy. We had nothing to do with it.”
“Standing by and doing nothing makes you just as guilty,” Patricia snapped, her eyes cold and sharp.
Their argument screeched to a halt.
The tension in the air was so thick, you could almost see the sparks flying.
Suddenly, Grandma pushed herself up, reached across the table, and grabbed Patricia’s arm, trying to drag her toward the door. “Let’s go outside and see what everyone else thinks!”
Patricia jerked her arm away. “Don’t touch me.”
They were still in a crowded coffee shop when Grandma stumbled back from Patricia’s shove. She lost her balance and crashed hard into one of the room dividers.
Judy, waiting just outside, saw the commotion and rushed in, shouting, “Ms. Martin! That’s out of line–how could you hit an old lady?”
“Are you insane?”
“Call the police! Someone, call the police!”
The café burst into chaos.
Police sirens and an ambulance wailed outside.
As Patricia was led out to the squad car, she took a long, steady breath and closed her eyes. She’d known Grandma wasn’t here for a heart–to–heart. So this was the trap she’d set. What a performance.
At the station, Patricia sat calmly in her chair, still dressed in her cream blouse and matching slacks from that morning. Her hair fell loosely down her back, and her whole vibe was cool and unbothered.
The detective across the table looked her over, then checked his notes. “The other party claims you
assaulted her.”
Patricia’s voice was even. “And who exactly is the ‘other party‘?”
“The elderly woman’s caretaker.”
“If I remember right,” Patricia replied, “her caretaker wasn’t even there when we were talking. If she’s so sure it was me, either she has X–ray vision, or she just really has it out for me.”
“I’d like to see the café’s security footage.”
Patricia’s logic was sharp and quick.
Since the investigation was still ongoing, she hadn’t been put in a holding cell. She laid out her doubts to the officers, clear and confident.
Nearby, a few officers were whispering to each other. So much for the idea that pretty women are all
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Chapter 269
looks–this Ms. Martin was clearly sharp as a tack.
“Sorry, the café’s cameras were down yesterday. We already checked,” one of them said.
Patricia didn’t miss a beat. “No cameras? There must be other witnesses.”
“We’re still gathering statements.”
“So what, I’m just supposed to sit here and wait while you finish up?”
“We need your cooperation.”
“Then please hurry up.” Patricia crossed her arms and leaned back, looking totally uninterested.
She closed her eyes for a second, replaying the argument in her mind. Grandma had clearly been trying to get under her skin, and she–she hadn’t even realized it at the time.
Her fingers pressed hard into her thigh.
Fine.
Once this was over, Kelly was going to be the first to pay.
Jackson showed up at the station later that afternoon, having just gotten word about everything.
Patricia hadn’t changed position since she was brought in.
When he saw her, Jackson’s hands clenched at his sides, his jaw tight with anger.
He only relaxed a little when Patricia shot him a cold look.
“Miss.”
“Is it handled?”
“Yeah,” Jackson nodded.
Patricia barely reacted. “Go get me a coffee.”
Jackson just stared at her. “You still want coffee after all this? You really don’t let anything get to you, do you?”
Patricia glanced at him, and Jackson immediately backed down. “Alright, alright, I’m on it. Coffee, coming right up.”
