Chapter 2 - The Emerald Noose
While Marcus was being read his rights in a service elevator, a different kind of reckoning was unfolding in the family lounge down the hall. I picked up my remote and switched the monitor back to the live feed of the waiting room.
My sister-in-law, Brenda, was still admiring her reflection in the glass of a vending machine, my vintage emerald necklace resting against her collarbone. My nieces and nephews were frantically stuffing Ming dynasty vases and antique silverware into canvas tote bags. They looked like common burglars dressed in designer mourning clothes.
Arthur stood beside my bed, watching the screen. “Should I make the call, Eleanor?”
“Let them finish packing,” I said coldly. “I want them caught red-handed.”
Ten minutes later, the screen showed two uniformed officers stepping into the lounge. The audio feed crackled to life just in time for me to hear Brenda shriek.
“Excuse me! I am the sister-in-law of the deceased!” Brenda yelled, clutching the emeralds.
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“Ma'am, Eleanor Vance is very much alive,” the officer replied, his voice deadpan. “And she has just pressed charges for grand larceny. Put the bags down and step away from the silverware.”
Watching the blood drain from Brenda’s face—seeing her realize that her greed had just bought her a felony charge—was a balm to my tired soul. They had come like vultures, but the feast was poisoned.
