Chapter 5 Who Killed Amber

Laura's POV

I didn't sleep well last night. My mind was plagued by memories of the courtroom and the haunting questions that Vanessa and Lucy would undoubtedly raise again. Still, the thrill of standing my ground against them, of knowing I had the upper hand for once, was a potent antidote to my unease. I couldn't afford to let my guard down now, not when I was so close to getting what I deserved.

As I slipped into my favourite black silk dress, its cool fabric caressing my skin, I replayed yesterday's events in my head. The judge's words still echoed: "Not guilty." It was a victory, a small one, but a victory nonetheless. Now, it was time to focus on the next move.

A knock on my door pulled me out of my reverie. Monica, my ever-reliable assistant, entered the room, her iPad clutched tightly against her chest. Her sharp eyes reflected the kind of determination I needed right now.

"Laura, Audrey just called. He's arranged for a meeting with the private investigator you requested. They'll be here in an hour."

I nodded, feeling a surge of anticipation. Finally, I was going to get the dirt on Lucy that I needed. "Thank you, Monica. And make sure to bring me all the documents related to the company's finances. I need to be prepared for any counterattacks from Vanessa and her mother."

Monica gave a quick nod before leaving the room. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. The scent of jasmine from the perfume bottle on my dresser filled the air, a small comfort amidst the chaos.

Audrey arrived right on time, his presence commanding as ever. His tall frame filled the doorway, and I could see the determination in his blue eyes. Despite our business relationship, there was a part of me that couldn't deny the magnetic pull between us. But I couldn't afford distractions now.

"Good morning, Laura," he said, his voice smooth yet serious.

"Morning, Audrey. Thank you for arranging this so quickly."

He nodded, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "I understand the urgency. This private investigator is the best in the business. If anyone can dig up dirt on Lucy, it's him."

We settled into my study, a room filled with bookshelves and the lingering scent of old paper and wood polish. The private investigator, a man named John, was already there, reviewing files and notes.

"Miss Whitehood, Mr. Drewn," he greeted us with a professional nod. "I've already started looking into Mrs. Lucy Whitehood's background. There are quite a few discrepancies that could be useful."

I leaned forward, my interest piqued. "What kind of discrepancies?"

John flipped through his notes. "For starters, there are several financial transactions that don't add up. Large sums of money moving in and out of offshore accounts. And more – personal affairs could tarnish her reputation if brought to light."

A cold, satisfied smile spread across my face. This was exactly what I needed. "Keep digging, John. I want every skeleton in her closet exposed."

Audrey watched me intently, a mixture of admiration and concern in his eyes. "Are you sure about this, Laura? This could get very messy."

I met his gaze, my resolve unwavering. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life. Lucy and Vanessa have taken everything from me. It's time they pay for their actions."

As John continued detailing his findings, I felt a surge of adrenaline. The pieces were falling into place, and I could almost taste victory. But amid the plans and strategies, there was a part of me that couldn't shake off the lingering doubts. Audrey's words from earlier echoed in my mind.

What if it does get messy? What if this path leads to more destruction than I can handle?

I pushed those thoughts aside. There was no room for hesitation now. I had to stay focused, and strong. For my mother, for myself, and the future I was fighting so hard to secure.

After John left, Audrey and I sat in silence for a moment. The tension between us was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words. Finally, he broke the silence.

"Laura, I know this is important to you. But don't lose yourself in this battle. Remember why you started this in the first place."

I looked at him, the sincerity in his eyes piercing through my defences. "I won't, Audrey. But I need to see this through. For my mother."

He nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Just know that you're not alone in this. We're in this together."

His words were a small comfort, a reminder that I had allies in this fight. As the day wore on, I found myself drawing strength from that thought. Audrey was right – this wasn't just my battle. It was our battle.

Later that afternoon, as I reviewed the financial documents Monica had brought me, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.

Meet me at the park by Central Avenue. 5 PM. It's about your mother.

My heart skipped a beat. Could this be the lead I needed? Glancing at the clock, I realized I had just enough time to make it if I left immediately. I grabbed my coat and headed for the door.

"I have to go," I told Audrey, who was in the middle of reviewing some documents. "There's something I need to follow up on."

He looked up, concern etched on his face. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"

I shook my head. "No, I need to handle this alone. I'll call you if I need anything."

As I made my way to the park, a mix of anticipation and dread settled in my stomach. What could this meeting be about? Who was this mysterious informant?

The park was almost empty when I arrived, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the paths. I spotted a figure sitting on a bench, partially obscured by the branches of an old oak tree. As I approached, the figure stood up, revealing a middle-aged woman with sharp features and a wary expression.

"Miss Whitehood?" she asked, her voice low and cautious.

"Yes, that's me. Who are you?"

"My name is Jane. I was a friend of your mother's. We worked together back in New Orleans."

My breath caught in my throat. New Orleans – the place Grandma had mentioned. "You knew my mother? What do you know about her?"

Jane glanced around as if checking for eavesdroppers. "Amber was a good woman. She didn't deserve what happened to her. But there are things you need to know, things that could change everything."

My pulse quickened. "Tell me. Please."

She took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. "Your mother didn't die in an accident. She was murdered. And I know who did it."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I had always suspected foul play, but to hear it confirmed was like having the ground ripped out from under me. "Who? Who killed her?"

Jane hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground. "It was Simon. Your foster father. He's been hiding the truth all these years."

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. Simon? The man who had raised me, who had been a father figure to me after my mother's death? It couldn't be true.

"You're lying," I whispered, shaking my head in disbelief.

"I wish I was," Jane said softly. "But I have proof. Documents, witness statements. I can show you everything."

My mind raced, trying to process this new information. If Simon was truly responsible for my mother's death, then everything I thought I knew was a lie. And my quest for revenge had just taken a darker, more dangerous turn.

As I stood there, reeling from the revelation, Jane reached into her bag and handed me a file. "Take this. It has everything you need to know. But be careful, Laura. Some powerful people don't want the truth to come out."

I took the file, my hands trembling. "Thank you, Jane. I'll make sure justice is served."

As I walked away from the park, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, betrayal, confusion. But beneath it all, there was a new sense of purpose. I wasn't just fighting for my inheritance anymore. I was fighting for my mother's memory, for the truth.

And I wouldn't stop until everyone responsible paid for their actions.