Chapter 13 - THE TRUTH BEHIND THE POISON
The investigation eventually established that Celeste Ward had arranged for Lily's drink to be tampered with.
The motive was financial.
Marcus and Celeste feared Enzo was about to discover the missing charity funds.
They believed a medical emergency involving Lily would distract him from an upcoming audit.
They also planned to frame Nora, creating a convenient suspect and diverting attention from themselves.
Evidence recovered during the investigation connected Celeste to the drink substitution.
The plain white straw became an important detail.
So did the incorrectly folded napkin.
Those small differences helped investigators establish that the drink had been replaced after Nora served it.
Marcus had repeatedly demanded Nora be searched because he wanted the focus placed on her.
But Nora's insistence on preserving the glass prevented the evidence from being discarded.
Celeste and Marcus were charged with offenses connected to the poisoning and financial crimes.
Their cases proceeded through the courts.
The evidence was examined.
Witnesses testified.
And the truth emerged.
When the proceedings concluded, Enzo stood outside the courthouse beside Nora.
Reporters shouted questions.
Cameras flashed.
Nora looked uncomfortable.
Enzo turned toward her.
"You okay?"
She nodded.
"Just tired."
He smiled faintly.
"Me too."
Then he said:
"You saved my daughter."
Nora looked at him.
"I noticed a straw."
Enzo shook his head.
"You noticed when everyone else wanted someone to blame."
May you like
Nora smiled sadly.
"Sometimes that's all it takes."
