“I tried. He won’t listen. He’s scared of Grandma.” The boy’s eyes filled with tears. “Don’t leave me forever, okay?”
Lucia hugged him tight. “I’m not going anywhere.”
But she was. The court date arrived.
The legal aid center sent a tired intern who shuffled papers and avoided eye contact. “Just plead guilty. They’ll go easier on you.”
“I’m innocent.”
“Look, the Aldridges have Dr. Victor Hale. You can’t win against him.”
“I’m not pleading guilty.”
The intern shrugged. “Your funeral.”
Then Sophie Carter showed up.
She was young, maybe thirty, with a worn briefcase and determined eyes. “Miss Morales? I’m Sophie Carter. I’ve been following your case.”
“I don’t have money for a lawyer.”
“I’m not asking for money. I’m asking if you’re innocent.”
“I am.”
“Then let me help you.” Sophie sat down. “I’ve reviewed the police report. It’s garbage. No investigation, no evidence, just Eleanor Aldridge’s word.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying—”
“The security cameras,” Sophie interrupted. “The report mentions them. But the camera covering the jewelry room was ‘malfunctioning’ the night the ruby disappeared. Convenient, right?”
Lucia blinked. “They never told me that.”