Chapter 2 — The Trap Closed
Chapter 2 — The Trap Closed
The birthday candles were still burning.
No one moved.
The lead investigator stepped forward and calmly displayed his badge.
"Mr. Julián Herrera."
"I'm Detective Carlos Medina."
"We have a judicial warrant to search this property."
Julián forced a laugh.
"A warrant?"
"For what?"
The detective looked at Ernesto.
Then back at Julián.
"Domestic violence."
"Financial fraud."
"Forgery."
"And coercive control."
The room fell silent.
Ofelia's hands trembled around the black trash bag.
She tried pushing it farther behind the cabinet.
Too late.
The forensic examiner carefully picked it up.
Inside...
Shredded bank statements.
Loan applications.
Property transfer forms.
And a folder containing a forged power of attorney bearing Ernesto Salgado's name.
The detective looked at Ofelia.
"Mrs. Herrera..."
"Would you like to explain why these documents were hidden in your kitchen?"
She couldn't answer.
Outside...
Valeria stood in the garden.
The domestic violence advocate sat beside her.
"You don't have to go back inside unless you want to."
Valeria stared through the glass doors.
For the first time in months...
May you like
She wasn't afraid of what would happen next.
She was only waiting for the truth.
