When Nora is gone, everything becomes simple.
Edgar replied.
Stop.
Kristina.
You know I’m right.
Edgar.
Do not ever say that again.
Kristina.
She has no children.
Heather gave you a son.
Edgar.
This conversation is over.
Then a final message.
Kristina.
One day you’ll thank me.
My hands shook.
I looked at Edgar.
“You kept this.”
He nodded.
“Why?”
“I thought she was being dramatic.”
“You thought she was dramatic.”
“Yes.”
“She talked about me dying.”
“I know.”
“And tonight she put a rattlesnake under my pillow.”
Tears filled his eyes.
“I didn’t think she would do anything.”
“That sentence may be the summary of our entire marriage.”
He looked down.
I photographed every message.
Then I sent copies to Rachel.
Then the investigating officer.
At 4:12 a.m., I changed the beneficiary on my life insurance policy.
Not to Edgar.
To a charitable trust controlled by my estate.
Then I froze all shared discretionary accounts.
Not his salary account.
Not legally his money.
Only my personal assets.
At 4:30, Edgar left.
Before walking out, he turned.
“Nora.”
I looked at him.
“I am sorry.”
I said nothing.
He continued.
“I know that’s useless.”
“Yes.”
“I never wanted you hurt.”
“I believe that.”
His eyes widened slightly.
Then I added.
“You just wanted every benefit of my life without taking responsibility for the people hurting me.”
His face collapsed.
“That is not the same as love.”
He left.
By eight the next morning, the case changed dramatically.
Police reviewed the messages.
They interviewed Heather.
She cooperated immediately.
She admitted Kristina had been calling for months.
Pushing her to reunite with Edgar.
Talking about me as an obstacle.
Saying I was “sickly.”
That was false.
Saying my business travel was dangerous.
True.
