Right after our daughter’s funeral, my husband insisted on quickly throwing out all her things from the kids’ room, but while cleaning, I found her note…

«In case of life threat, it does,» Alex objected. «Plus, we have something else. The pills you gave Emily yesterday turned out to be a mix of potent drugs, lethal in that dose.»

He stepped toward Michael. «And we found your… mechanic. He’s already giving statements. Telling how you paid him to sabotage the brake system in Olivia’s car.»

Michael’s face twisted in rage. «He’s lying. No evidence.»

«There is,» Alex replied calmly, «bank transfers, phone records, and of course, the documents Olivia collected. By the way, where are they?»

Michael was silent, lips pressed.

Emily, leaning against the wall, watched them. She still couldn’t believe the nightmare was ending.

«Doesn’t matter,» Alex continued, «we’ll find them in the search. Now turn around and put your hands behind your back.»

Michael slowly turned but instead of complying, lunged forward sharply, trying to knock the gun out.

Alex jumped back, keeping distance. «Don’t be stupid, Davis! You’re only making it worse!»

Michael looked around like a cornered animal. His gaze fell on the open window.

Before Alex could react, he dashed to it. «Freeze!» Alex shouted, but Michael already vaulted over the sill. A shot rang out.

Emily screamed. Alex ran to the window, looked out. «Damn! He jumped onto the extension roof!»

He turned to Emily. «You okay? Can you stay alone? I need to catch him.»

Emily nodded, still shaking. «Yes, go, I’m fine.»

Alex quickly squeezed her shoulder. «Lock the door; backup will be here soon.» He ran out of the room.

Emily heard his footsteps on the stairs, then the front door slam.

She approached the window, looked out. Michael was running through the yard to the fence. Alex pursued him, gun ready.

Michael vaulted the fence and disappeared from view. Alex followed.

Emily closed the window, hugged herself. It all happened so fast. Just minutes ago, she was on the brink of death, and now… Now Michael knew he was exposed; he’d be desperate.

A desperate man is capable of anything. Emily suddenly remembered the backpack with documents. Michael said he hid it in a safe place.

Where could that be? In the house? In the car? She had to find those papers before he came back for them.

The car. Most likely, documents in the car. If Michael planned to get rid of her today, he must have prepared in advance. Gathered all evidence to destroy after her suicide.

Emily quickly went downstairs, out the back door to the garage.

Michael’s car was there; apparently, he decided to flee on foot to hide easier in the yards. Emily opened the door. Unlocked. Michael was always overconfident.

She began searching the interior, glove compartment, door pockets, under seats. Nothing.

Then she opened the trunk and froze. There lay her backpack, and next to it a gas can, rope, and some tools. All set for staging a suicide.

Emily grabbed the backpack, checked the contents. All documents there. She slammed the trunk and hurried back to the house…