Chapter Eight: The Mastermind Revealed
Nathan Hayes was arrested that evening at a private airport outside Santa Barbara.
He never resisted.
As officers handcuffed him, he simply smiled.
"You found it."
Brooks nodded.
"We did."
Nathan looked almost amused.
"Then you're still missing the important part."
During interrogation Nathan remained calm.
"I stole the bracelet."
"Why?"
"Money."
Brooks slid the financial records across the table.
"You weren't broke."
Nathan smiled.
"No."
"So why?"
Silence.
Hours passed.
Nathan never changed his story.
Finally Brooks stood to leave.
At the door Nathan spoke.
"I didn't frame Emily."
Brooks turned.
"What?"
"I stole the bracelet."
"I deleted the cameras."
"But putting that jewelry box into Emily's purse..."
He smiled faintly.
"That wasn't my idea."
Meanwhile Olivia Mercer was packing her luggage when officers arrived.
She opened the door already knowing why they had come.
"You've arrested Nathan."
"Yes."
She sighed.
"I suppose it's my turn."
"No."
Brooks stepped inside.
"We're here because we know you planted the evidence."
Olivia froze.
"We found your fingerprints."
"Where?"
"Inside the lining of Emily's handbag."
Her shoulders collapsed.
She whispered,
"I never wanted this."
Brooks remained silent.
Tears filled her eyes.
"Nathan said no one would get hurt."
"What really happened?"
Olivia closed her eyes.
"He asked me to distract Victoria."
"I did."
"When he stole the bracelet..."
"He handed me the empty jewelry box."
She began crying.
"He said to slip it into Emily's purse."
"I thought..."
May you like
"I thought she'd be questioned..."
"...not destroyed."
