Chapter 11 - RIKERS INTERROGATION
The visitor’s room at Rikers Island smelled of bleach, old sweat, and despair.
Vanessa Vargas sat on the opposite side of the scratched Plexiglas barrier. She wore an oversized orange jumpsuit. Her hair was greasy, her makeup gone, and dark purple circles bruised the skin under her eyes. The arrogance that had defined her at the Sterling mansion was entirely shattered.
When Richard sat down across from her, she flinched.
"I didn't kill her," Vanessa stammered instantly, her voice trembling through the crackling intercom. "Richard, I swear to God! I didn't know about Claire! I didn't know she was murdered!"
"You knew enough," Richard said, his tone icy and measured. "You took two million dollars from David Harrison to torture my child."
"He told me Sophie was mentally unstable!" Vanessa sobbed, pressing her hands against the glass. "He said you were unfit! He told me if I documented her breakdowns, he would grant me twenty percent of the trust assets once you were removed! I didn't know he poisoned your wife! You have to believe me!"
"I don't need to believe you, Vanessa," Richard said coldly. "I need Marcus Kane."
Vanessa’s expression turned to sheer terror. "If I talk about Kane, I’m dead before I reach state prison."
"If you don't talk to me," Richard replied softly, leaning closer to the perforated metal speaker, "I will ensure your trial is moved to federal jurisdiction, and I will personally see to it that you serve your twenty-year sentence in maximum security solitary confinement. No bail. No parole. No visitors."
May you like
Vanessa swallowed hard, tears streaking down her unwashed cheeks. "Kane operates out of a shipping yard near the Red Hook terminals. Pier 42. He uses a logistics company called Apex Global as a front for Harrison’s offshore enforcement."
Richard picked up his phone, stepping back from the glass. "Thank you, Vanessa. Enjoy Rikers."
