ADVERTISEMENT
“Ms. Williams, I need to ask you something, and I want you to think carefully before answering. “Has your sister ever done anything like this before?
“Any unexplained accidents or incidents where people around her got mysteriously sick?”
Detective Martinez pulled out a file folder I hadn’t noticed before. “Because when I ran Jessica’s name through our database, I found something concerning.
“She has a sealed juvenile record that was expunged when she turned 18. “But I still have access to the basic details.”
She opened the folder and showed me a police report dated five years ago. “Jessica was questioned in connection with a series of food poisoning incidents at the retail store where she worked during high school.
“Three employees ended up in the hospital over a two-month period, all with similar symptoms to what you experienced.”
“What happened?” I whispered. “The investigation was dropped after your parents hired an expensive law firm to represent Jessica. “The store manager was pressured not to press charges, and the affected employees were given financial settlements in exchange for signing non-disclosure agreements.”
I felt sick to my stomach.
“My parents knew about this.”
“According to the case notes,” she continued, “they not only knew about the previous incidents, but actively worked to cover them up. “The lead detective at the time noted that your parents seemed more concerned about protecting Jessica’s reputation than finding out whether she had actually harmed her co-workers.”
“I need you to understand something. “People who engage in this kind of systematic poisoning don’t usually start with close family members. “The fact that Jessica felt comfortable escalating to you suggests she’s been practicing this behavior for years.”
Over the next hour, Detective Martinez explained the investigation process while I tried to process the revelation that my parents had covered up Jessica’s previous crimes.
She arranged for a full forensic analysis of my apartment, focusing on areas where Jessica would have had access to my medications and food. “We’re also going to review the security footage from your apartment building,” she said. “If Jessica has been entering your home without your knowledge, there should be video evidence of her coming and going when you were at work.”
As Detective Martinez prepared to leave, she handed me her business card and a pamphlet about victim services.
“I know this is overwhelming, but I want you to know that we take attempted murder very seriously. “Based on what you’ve shown me today, I believe we have enough evidence to obtain a warrant for Jessica’s arrest.”
That afternoon, I called in sick to work and drove to my best friend Sarah’s house across town. I couldn’t risk staying in my apartment another night, especially knowing Jessica had been entering whenever she pleased.
Continue reading…
ADVERTISEMENT
