Ruby Calls

Ruby's blood changed the room.

Before that, Elise had been a victim with inconvenient anger. After that, she became a suspect with a useful motive.

Roslyn did not arrest her. She did worse. She told Elise the truth.

"If Ruby turns up dead, the district attorney will look at you hard."

"Because I shoved her out of a car's path?"

"Because you needed her alive only until she helped prove you were framed. After that, she knew your mother paid her to commit fraud."

"That is a disgusting theory."

"It is also a theory Martin's lawyer can sell."

Elise sat down before her knees made the choice. Theo stood close but did not touch her. She appreciated that and hated needing it.

Claire entered with June and heard enough to understand. "No."

Roslyn looked at her. "No what?"

"No, Elise would not hurt Ruby."

Elise stared at her sister.

Claire lifted her chin. "Do not look so shocked. I can tell the truth when it matters."

June whispered, "Can you?"

Claire flinched again.

Theo's phone buzzed with an unknown number. He answered, listened, and put it on speaker.

A woman's voice came through, strained and low. "Elise Hart?"

Elise stood. "Ruby?"

"I got out. Mara cut me before I jumped."

June covered her mouth.

"Where are you?" Elise asked.

"I will tell you if June answers one question."

Claire shook her head, already crying.

June took the phone from Theo. "I'm here."

Ruby's breath broke. "Did they keep your name?"

June swallowed. "They named me June."

"Good," Ruby whispered. "Lily was scared. June sounds like someone who made it."

For once, June had no sharp answer.

Ruby continued, "Mara is taking the passphrase account tonight. She said Martin cannot wait after the press conference."

The line crackled.

"Ruby," Elise said. "Where are you?"

"Where Vivian buried the first lie."