Chapter 8 - Estelle knew about the replica idea
My mother finally admitted:
Thayer had asked her whether she would consider using a copy during the reception.
She said no.
Why didn’t she tell Gwendolyn?
Because she viewed the ring as hers.
Still.
Even though she had loaned it for the wedding.
“Why did he ask?”
“Security.”
“Did you believe that?”
“Yes.”
“Do you now?”
She looked away.
Then I asked:
“Why did you look frightened when the ring fell?”
Her answer:
“Because I knew he had been talking about copying it.”
There.
Not conspiracy.
Not yet.
But knowledge.
Then:
“Why did you accuse Percival?”
Her face hardened.
“He was near the table.”
“He is six.”
“He has taken things before.”
A toy car from my study.
Returned within ten minutes.
That was her foundation for accusing him of stealing half a million dollars in jewelry.
I said:
“You will not be alone with him again for now.”
She stared.
“I am his grandmother.”
“Yes.”
“Cormac.”
“You hit him.”
May you like
Silence.
Authority ended there.
