Layson looked at her for a moment, his sharp eyes searching hers. Without a word, he gestured for Barnes to untie Ella.
“Untie her.”
At his command, Barnes stepped forward to untie Ella’s bindings. Once freed, Ella stretched her stiff wrists and glared at Barnes with indignation, as though she were the victim in all of this.
Adela walked forward and bent down slightly to help Ella to her feet. Her voice was calm but probing. “Ella, do you know why my dad suddenly decided to take his own life?”
Ella’s expression shifted slightly, and she hesitated before replying. “I honestly don’t know. That morning, I went out to buy some groceries with Herbie, and when I got back… Calvin had already hanged himself.”
Her voice wavered as she recounted the event, but Adela could sense an air of defens
