*December – Hudson Riverbank, 3:42 a.m.*
Snowflakes drifted silently as red and blue lights painted the sleet-slick pavement. Officers crowded around a silver BMW, its driver's door ajar, interior splattered with dark stains.
“Blood?" one rookie asked, swallowing hard.
The lead detective nodded. “Samples en route to the lab."
A forensics tech bagged a sparkling hair barrette from the floor mat. “Initials—HK. Engraved in the back."
“Hazel Kingsley," the detective muttered. “Guess the tabloids were right about their feud."
He turned to another officer. “You check security footage?"
“Already pulled traffic cams. Her face pops up three blocks from here—same night Jessica goes missing."
The detective's lips pressed into a grim line. “Issue the warrant."
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*Moretti Estate – That Same
