Eight Million Reasons To Be A Black Widow
I swore I would save himsell the cars, sell the house, whatever it took. But just as I finalized the sales on our condo and car, he was gone.
I ended up with the proceeds from the house, the car, a massive life insurance payout, and a hefty corporate compensation package.
Oh, and the eighty-plus million in my husbands secret accounts. I was completely, irrevocably financially free.
Then, his parents tracked me down, dragged me to court, and accused me of murder.
1
Inside the police station interrogation room, one detective, Detective Miller, spoke in a conversational tone, as if we were chatting over coffee:
So, how did you two meet? When was that?
The other, Detective Reed, was strictly taking notes, giving me an occasional, deeply scrutinizing look. I rubbed my face. I hadn't slept well in days.
From the accident to the ICU, to selling everything to save him, to his funeralit had all been a blur. A grotesque, exhausting dream. I was still waiting for the earth to snap back into place.
I managed a bitter twist of my lips. We met last year, on April 16th. A blind date.
Thats very specific. Why do you remember the exact date? Miller asked.
Its my sons birthday. I knew my expression must have been on the verge of tears.
Miller seemed slightly taken aback, but then asked with a joking air, Youre so young, a graduate from a top school, and you work in the City Planning Division. Why would a woman like you need a blind date?
Im five-foot-five, and while I wouldn't call myself striking, Im not ugly. I have a Masters degree and passed the civil service exam right after graduation.
I felt a slight flush of embarrassment. Im not originally from here. I went to school here, and the people at the Division have always been kind to me, but I paused, feeling awkward, but continued anyway. Everyone is enthusiastic, especially the older established women.
Miller nodded, understanding. Ah, yes. The local network. The established social circle loves to play matchmaker for the younger folks.
He then asked, And when did you get married?
Last year, July 5th.
So you knew each other for less than three months and got married? Thats fast. Why the rush? Miller sounded genuinely shocked now.
I gave a small, weary smile. I was pregnant.
A shotgun wedding, he summarized, sounding satisfied.
He was almost three years older than mealready thirty. I worried about having children later. I wanted to keep the baby. We talked it over. Given how things were progressing, we would have married eventually anyway, so we just went ahead and filed the paperwork.
Do you think you knew him well? Miller suddenly asked.
I was puzzled by the shift in topic, but answered, He was kind, genuine, and incredibly thoughtful. He was so gentle with me. II rarely encountered someone like that, besides
Thinking of Ryan, I felt the familiar rush of warmth and a lingering blush, but the immediate realization that he was gone slammed the door on that feeling. A wave of profound sadness choked me, making it hard to speak.
Miller passed me a glass of water, letting me compose myself. After a moment, he prompted, Besides what?
Besides that, his circumstances were exactly what I wanted. I didn't mince words.
And what circumstances were those? Reed pressed, his voice flat.
He had a respectable job, he was good-looking, and his salary was significantly higher than mine. Our union was a strong alliance, not a one-sided rescue. To be honest, I leveraged his status, and my quality of life improved several steps.
Our investigation shows your family is also well-off. They bought a place for you here when you got married, correct?
Yes. My parents had already set aside money for a condo. When Ryan and I decided to marry, as a sign of my commitment, we bought a place after we got the license, and I put him on the deed for half the property.
2
No big wedding, he didn't take a dowry, and my mother said we could hold the ceremony later. He understood. He said since we'd just purchased the condo, my parents shouldnt worry about the cost of a wedding right away.
A two-bedroom condo in this area, even a starter, is easily over seven hundred thousand dollars.
I blushed slightly. It wasn't a full purchase. We took out a mortgage for over five hundred thousand, which I was paying off with my government pension and savings.
A family that can put down a hundred thousand plus is not simple, as you say.
My parents run a small business. Since Im not from here, even with my government job, I have no deep roots. Finding an ideal partner who isn't intimidated by my drive, or who doesn't pull me down, is difficult.
With your qualifications, you had it easier than most.
I didn't want to compromise myself or lower my standard of living just to get married. Im an adult. I knew what I wanted. I was deliberately open about what most people tried to avoid discussing.
So even though he was nearly three years older, you chose him, Miller summarized.
The age gap was not an obstacle in the slightest. I thought he was the best man I had ever met! Marrying him was my good fortune! I said, feeling a spike of anger at the underlying skepticism in the detective's tone.
Alright, alright. Just calm down.
I took a long moment to regain my composure.
Miller then continued with the standard questions: where I was, what I was doing when Ryan crashed. I answered everything truthfully, then looked at him in weary disbelief.
Why on earth do his parents think I would murder my husband?
Seeing my agitation, Miller gestured for me to lean back and take a deep breath.
Why were you so quick to sell your car and property after the accident?
3
I had about thirty thousand dollars in liquid savings. Everything else was tied up in the stock marketfrozen assets. The doctors said his situation was critical, and even if he survived, hed likely be a vegetable. But I didnt care. I just wanted him alive. As long as he was breathing!
I broke down, shouting the last words. I touched my face, realizing I was crying again.
After several minutes, when I was able to speak, I continued, He was in the ICU. You know the costa minimum of ten thousand dollars a day. My money ran out fast. The money Id borrowed from friends dried up, too. Selling the car and the condo was my last, desperate option.
You didnt know where your husband kept his money?
No. After we married, we kept our finances separate. He handled his, and I handled mine. For household expenses, I covered the mortgage and utilities, and he covered social obligations and the renovations.
Renovations?
He paid for the full renovation of the condo and furnished it with all the appliances. I said, feeling slightly uncomfortable revealing this.
Miller nodded and asked, Given Ryans condition, did you ever consider telling your parents or asking his parents for financial help?
His condition was so touch-and-go; I didnt want to worry my parents unnecessarily. I planned to tell them once he stabilized. And I was afraid of how his parents would take it, especially his father. My mother-in-law and father-in-law adored Ryan.
We understand that your mother-in-law is not his biological mother.
Thats right. She is his stepmother, Brenda Maxwell, but she was genuinely good to him. She actually gifted him the condo we live in now before we even got married.
The other detective, Reed, let out a cynical, quiet laugh. Gifting him property is good?
I frowned, looking him straight in the eye. For ordinary people like us, a multimillion-dollar property given to a non-biological son? If thats not good, what is?
He was momentarily stumped. Miller stepped in, smoothing things over with a smile. Youre very protective of your husband and his family. Did you all stay in regular contact?
I made a point to call his parents twice a month. Ryan, I assume, also stayed in touch, I said, suddenly feeling unsure.
What about his biological mother?
I felt a pang of shame. I never met her. We didnt have a formal wedding, but our two families had dinner together last year. Ryan told me he hadnt seen her in years and couldnt reach her, so I never pushed it.
Then, Millers face sobered. He never told you his mother had passed away?
What? I was genuinely shocked.
She was a mine worker. She worked at his stepmothers coal mine and died in an accident.
I honestly did not know that. Why would they keep that from me?
The two detectives exchanged a look. Miller then returned to his line of questioning. Why did you sell all the properties and the car? The three pre-marital properties owned by your husband, too.
I needed the cash immediately. But you know the real estate marketits terrible for sellers right now. I was afraid nothing would move, so I listed everything, hoping one would sell quickly.
But after one sold and you had the money, why did you let the others go?
4
The first one to sell was Ryans Midtown penthouse, but the buyer needed time to secure the loan. I was running against the clock, terrified of the delay. Then, the second propertyour marital condowent quickly because I priced it incredibly low but demanded cash. The funds came through fast.
But by then, Ryan was in critical condition, and our baby was also sick. I was stretched thin, so I delegated the property closings to a colleague, Denise, to help me handle the paperwork.
By the time I was done managing Ryans condition and the babys health, the buyers for the other two properties had already wired the money. If I had backed out, I would have faced huge breach of contract fines, and I would have alienated Denise. The buyers, you see, were relatives of the department director. You know Im still new to the Division. I couldnt afford to
I trailed off. Miller looked at me with a measure of sympathy. Two prime downtown properties, sold at a major discounta steal for the buyers. If the Director's relatives wanted them, I would have had to sell, ready or not.
So, with all the properties sold, where are you living now?
The Directors relatives aren't moving in immediately, so they leased our marital condo back to me.
And finally, why did you sell your husbands car?
I have a wealthy friend, Finn, who runs a custom auto shop. I was trying to sell the car and the condos simultaneously. I dropped the car off at his shop, and he said hed assess it for me. But then, one of his employees took the car out privately, crashed it, and totaled it. So, Finn bought the wreck from me.
Crashed it?
Yes.
How did the crash happen?
I wasnt clear on the details, but the police at the scene would have filed a report, I assume. Reed noted something in his notebook.
A quick sidebar, Miller said, leaning forward. When you were selling the cars and houses, did you ever stop to think about your future?
I stared at him, confused by the question.
He continued, You married him because he ensured your standard of living wouldn't drop, maybe even improved it. But if he became a vegetable and you sold everything, your financial status would tank. Didnt you consider that consequence?
I offered a bitter smile. Of course I did. But that was a life. If it were you, would you have chosen not to save him?
5
Later, Miller said, We brought you in today because your in-laws suspect you murdered Ryan Marshall, and theyre demanding an investigation.
I felt a surge of indignation. My eyes were probably red again. I took a slow, deliberate breath to calm myself.
If they are going to make that accusation, they need to provide proof. What evidence do they have that I harmed my husband? I asked, managing a wry, sad smile that was dangerously close to dissolving into tears.
Then why did you have Ryan cremated before your in-laws even arrived?
Ryan was in the ICU for nearly two weeks. Every day, I had to sign dozens of notifications, telling me he was getting worse, I said, my hands and body starting to shake involuntarily.
My baby was also sick and wouldnt let anyone but me hold himmaybe he sensed his father was going to leave us. A four-month-old infant he lost his dad My eyes flooded, and I couldn't stop the tears now.
When the doctor pronounced him dead, I was just I rubbed my face hard, searching for the words. I don't know if youve ever felt it, but the only way to describe it is the absolute despair of the sky falling in.
After that, I was numb. The funeral home staff came. I don't know what they said. I just knew they promised to handle everything, so I let them take him. And
And what?
When my husband died, he had fallen from the cliff. His body was I swallowed a sob. He was unrecognizable. I didnt want his parents to see him like that. I was afraid they wouldn't be able to bear it, so I had him cremated quickly.
Then why did you still call the insurance company for an assessment?
When we married, Ryan bought us both high-value medical and accidental death policies. He had just paid the premium right before the accident. I was home packing some clothes for the hospital, saw the policies in his drawer, and just thought maybe the medical portion could cover some of the ICU fees. But it was all a lie! All the talk about prompt payouts, immediate coverageit was all bullshit! I ground out, my teeth clenched.
But you were paid out, werent you? Critical illness, medical, accidental death. Tens of millions of dollars. Especially the accidental death policywho buys a policy that high? It looks like a classic setup for insurance fraud. Reeds voice was low and insinuating.
I was stunned by his audacity. Shaking with rage, I lunged at him. What good is the payout now? I wish we never, ever needed it! I wish my husband were still alive!
Neither detective expected the sudden outburst. Outside, other officers rushed in and pulled me away. I regretted not landing a punch on that hateful detective.
He glared at me before being escorted out of the room, replaced by a female officer, Officer Davis, to continue the notes.
Once I was calm, Miller returned to the question. Why did you buy such high-value policies?
Ryan bought them, I said, rubbing my temples. He said that now that we were married and had a child, we had responsibilities and soft spots that single people don't. He didn't want the small family we built to be dragged down or our future living standards destroyed if one or both of us were to get sick or have an accident. He said it was just buying peace of mind, an emergency shield. I thought he made sense. And since he paid for it, I had no reason to object.
6
As I left the interrogation room, Brenda Maxwell, my mother-in-law, lunged at me, clawing at my face.
You filthy bitch! You killed my son! You murdered him! Youll pay for this!
I was still exhausted from the lack of sleep and the shock of Ryans death; my reaction time was slow. I couldn't dodge her. Her nails raked lines of blood across my cheek and neck.
Thankfully, we were in a police station, and the officers quickly pulled her away. In the glass reflection, I saw my hunched, defeated figure. I managed a tired, painful smile.
If you truly believe I harmed Ryan, then bring the evidence, I said.
Evidence! The evidence is that my son is dead, and youre alive! You killed him! You think you can get all his money now that hes gone? Dream on! Her voice was shrill, and she struggled to get closer to me. I sighed, watching her without knowing what to say.
Arrest her! She killed my son! I want her to pay for it! she screamed at the police.
We have no evidence that you murdered Ryan Marshall. We cannot arrest her, the young female officer, Davis, said firmly.
What did you just say? Brenda shrieked at the officer. Im warning you, you better not cover for her, or I have ways of making you all cry!
The faces of the present officers visibly hardened at that threat. They'd seen aggressive people, but never someone so brazen inside the precinct.
The burden of proof is on the accuser, Mrs. Maxwell. Produce the evidence that she killed your son, or we will charge you with filing a false report and disturbing the peace. We have the right to detain you! a young, enraged officer snapped.
Hmph. Detain me? Do you know who I
Brendas words made my heart skip with sudden excitement, but she cut herself off, rolled her eyes, and said, Evidence? I have plenty!
As she was leaving, she shot me a venomous look.
You just wait. Everything you swallowed, I will make you cough back up!
I watched her climb into a black, luxury SUV and speed away. The gloomy detective, Reed, suddenly appeared behind me and asked, What did you swallow that shes going to make you cough up?
I blinked, then gave a tired, bitter laugh. She must mean the money from the house sales. I intended to reimburse them for the properties anyway, once everything was settled, but I guess she couldnt wait
Youre suggesting they accused you of murder because they were afraid you wouldnt return the money from the house sales? Officer Davis stated the subtext of my words.
I sighed, saying nothing, which served as my default answer. I looked up and saw the brooding detective watching me with heavy, intense scrutiny.
7
Exhausted, I returned to the condo. My mother had taken the baby, and Id given the nanny the week off.
I planned to shower and go straight to bed, but I saw the oversized soaking tub in the master bathroom. It was Ryan's exclusive domain. Id never used it.
On a whim, I ran a bath, poured myself a glass of red wine, and slipped in, playing some music. Full immersion, total relaxation. No wonder Ryan enjoyed it so much. It was sublime.
I must have drifted off because I woke up to a violent hammering on the door.
I assumed it was the Directors relative coming for an unscheduled inspection. I opened the door, and a fist slammed into my face.
A warm gush of blood poured from my nose. Through my blurring vision, I saw a thick, gold chain swinging. I looked up and met the angry, fleshy face of my mother-in-law, Brenda Maxwell.
You little bastard! You had a path to heaven and you ran straight for hell! You dare try to steal my money? Youve got a death wish!
Before I could react, she backhanded me across the face. My head went blank for a second, my ears ringing violently.
II didnt I tried to struggle, but the seven or eight people shed brought with her pinned me to the floor.
Screw you!
She slapped me again. I tried to explain, but before I could form a word, she hit me twice more.
Selling the car and the houseyou thought youd get everything now that Ryan Marshall is dead? You think youre that clever, don't you?
I
She kicked me twice, then pulled me up by my arm, leaning in close. The money in his accounts, you moved it, didnt you? Do you know that was my money? Huh? Ill give you one chance. Tell me where the cash is, and Ill consider letting you go. Otherwise your career, your parents safety, think carefully.
She flung me down. My chin hit the marble threshold, and I bit my tongue so hard I tasted a mouthful of blood.
What money? I dont know anything! Dont you touch my parents
Whether or not I touch your parents is up to you, do you understand?
She then turned to her crew and commanded, Why dont you boys gently guide her? See if shell admit that she murdered him after realizing he was cheating on her for the insurance money.
I lifted my head to look at Brenda Maxwell. She was clearly in a panic. She might have cared about Ryans death a little, but not much.
She cared about the eighty million dollars in his bank account.
8
Brendas thugs dragged me inside, punching and kicking me, trying to extract a confession. I clenched my jaw, refusing to speak.
Then, a sudden, frantic pounding started on the front door. I heard one of the men aggressively fling the door open and shout at the person outside:
Who are you? What do you want?
Who are you? What are you doing in my house? a womans indignant voice shouted back.
Your house? Screw you and your house, get out!
Dont touch me! How dare you! A severe male voice joined the argument, and a scuffle broke out.
How dare I? Take another step inside and Ill beat you, too! Get lost!
Agh the woman shrieked.
I was kicked again, the pain forcing me to curl into a fetal position. Outside, the noise was chaotic. I couldn't tell if the couple had left or were still arguing.
Then, just as my consciousness started to fade, a voice outside suddenly boomed:
Police! Dont move!
I managed a faint, bloody smile, and then I passed out.
When I woke up, it was noon the next day.
The colleague looking after me in the hospital was Denise, the small-time leader whose relatives had bought my condo. She was thrilled to see me awake.
Oh, Anya, thank goodness youre up! Youve been asleep for a day and a nightyou had me worried sick!
Th-thank you for looking after me, Denise, I managed, my jaw screaming in pain when I spoke.
Oh, dont talk! Look at you. What in the world did you get caught up in? You were selling everything to save their son, and this is how they repay you? Theyre savages!
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