Richard viewed that as betrayal.
Still, I didn’t understand how any of this led to police tape.
Officer Miller said, “Your mother found texts between Richard and Brandon discussing today’s party.”
“Today’s party.”
He nodded.
“Right.”
“What did they say?”
“I don’t want to quote everything until investigators finish documenting it.”
“Tell me.”
He looked uncomfortable.
“They intended to confront you.”
“That’s it?”
“No.”
My stomach tightened.
Apparently Richard had asked Brandon to bring zip ties.
I stared at him.
“No.”
Officer Miller nodded.
“He said he wanted to scare you.”
I felt sick.
“What does that mean?”
“We don’t know exactly what he intended.”
I appreciated that he didn’t pretend certainty.
But the messages were bad enough.
Richard wrote that I needed to “learn what happens when she disrespects this family.”
Brandon replied, “She’ll listen once she realizes she can’t just walk out.”
Another message referenced taking my phone and keys.
