Page 19 of Scored

“Fuck, Vee. Daphne lied.”

Standing, I lowered my palms to my desk and spoke slower. “What did she lie about?”

“About the night before the accident.”

My heart thundered in my chest. “Why did she lie?”

Grant inhaled as his nostrils flared. “Daphne and Uncle Reid had an agreement. They didn’t intrude on each other’s life.”

“I don’t understand. They were married.”

“She and Uncle Reid haven’t shared a bedroom in years.”

Falling back to my chair, I stared at my cousin, my thoughts going to Bre’s reasoning for why Dad took sleeping pills. “And you know this information—how?”

“Fuck, Vee. I just know it.”

“So, all the talk of their perfect marriage was what…bullshit?” I leaned forward. “Did Daphne know about Bre?”

“She knew there was someone else or multiple someone elses. She didn’t know it was Bre. Daphne and Uncle Reid had an open marriage. The only rule was to keep it quiet so it wouldn’t affect the Coopers. That’s why she initially told the police that they were together Sunday night—I mean, a normal married couple would be. Now that they are asking specifics, she’s worried that they’ll know she lied.”

“What really happened Sunday night?”

“You should talk to Daphne.”

Furrowing my brow, I met Grant’s stare. “She won’t be honest with me. Hell, I’m not sure you’re being honest.”

“I am.” He inhaled and sat back. “That Sunday night, Daphne and Uncle Reid went their separate ways after they returned from the game. The last time she saw him was around six o’clock. Hell, he could have been out with Bre Sunday night.”

“She told the police that Dad had a bourbon before bed.”

“Daphne said it was his habit. She didn’t see him drink it.”

I collapsed against my chair.

My thoughts went back to the conversation with Det. Oldson. My reasoning was that Bre hadn’t seen Dad on Sunday because he was with family and at the game. What if he saw her Sunday night?

“Do you know if Dad left the house Sunday night?”

Grant pressed his lips together and nodded.

“You know he did, or Daphne told you he did?”

“I know because she told me. And I went to her house. I left after nine. Uncle Reid still wasn’t home.”

My stomach churned with his confirmation. The images in my brain were worse than the pictures of Dad and Bre.

“Did Dad know about the two of you?”

Grant stood, buttoned one button of his sports coat and squared his shoulders. “Vee, we know it was you who urged the detective to question Daphne. You need to talk to her. I’m done sharing.” His green stare intensified. “Uncle Reid was going to change his will. Joe drafted the new will. It really doesn’t matter what Daphne or I or even Bre was doing Sunday night or Monday morning. You were the one about to lose part of your inheritance. In my opinion, Detective Oldson should leave Daphne alone and talk to you.”

“To me?” I stood, anger and shock boiling inside me. “I said goodbye to Dad at Crystal Light stadium. I went home and spent the night with Fin. If you were in their home on Sunday night, you had more opportunity than I.”

Grant’s volume rose. “I loved my uncle. And he wanted me to have part of the Coopers.”

“Over my dead body.”

Grant smirked as the door to my office opened.