Chapter 15

Lena sat in the cold, sterile room, her heart pounding as she faced the two detectives across the table. The overhead light cast harsh shadows, making the space feel even smaller, more suffocating. She tried to calm her nerves, but her hands trembled slightly as she clenched them in her lap. The nausea that had plagued her the night before still lingered, but she forced it down, determined not to show any weakness.

"Miss Lena," Detective Crawford began, his voice low and steady, "we need to ask you some questions about Jacob Montgomery’s death. It’s important that you answer truthfully."

Lena nodded, her throat dry. "I understand. But I don’t know how I can help. I didn’t have anything to do with Jacob’s death."

Detective Crawford exchanged a glance with his partner, Detective Mason, who leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "We have reason to believe that you might have had a motive, Lena. Did you ever have any ill feelings towards Jacob? Anything at all?"

Lena felt a cold swe