The Wife's Resolve

Chapter 13: Under Investigation

Nicoli came to the Dare house when Valerie was discharged two days after the accident. Damon had not left her side for two days, but since Nicoli was on his way, he ran to the office to check in. Valerie was grateful for the breather. He could be so overbearing when he was worried. Nicoli had been over the day before to confirm with Valerie that her car had been hit twice. Nicoli had collected paint samples from both impacts. The back bumper was definitely hit by a black vehicle. Valerie remembers it being a large SUV, so that did not narrow it down at all. The other vehicle was probably a small red car, likely a sports car, which Nicoli was certain would be easier for him to find. He had concluded that someone with a sports car was likely to have it repaired. He also believed that, given the bridge only led to our property, both hits were intentional. Damon locked down the property. All vehicles were to be stopped at the gate. Only four people were given clearance by Damon to enter the property without his authorization.

When Nicoli walked into Valerie's study, she could tell by his footsteps, hard and deliberate, that something was wrong. She looked up when he stopped in front of his desk. His eyes were dark and angry, and Valerie was not sure why. He did not give her a chance to speak: "The police are here."

"For what?" she asked.

He did not answer, just pointed towards the driveway.

"I didn't call them. I did not report the accident." She defended herself.

Nicoli shouted, "Of course you didn't, but if they search the property, they will find the car."

"Calm down, Nicoli, I haven't done anything wrong."

"That doesn't make a difference to the police. I'm calling Damon," he yelled as he pulled out his phone.

"Nicoli," Valerie tried to stop him.

He pressed the dial button. "We are not doing this again?" When Damon picked up, he simply said, "Police are at your house," then he hung up the phone.

"He is on his way," her shoulders dropped.

"Of course he is," he said. "He sounds pissed, too."

"Well, let's just hope he can keep his mouth shut, and let the lawyer do the talking," Valerie smiled.

"If hoping made it so," he joked, "better words you can fight in court than a bullet in the morgue."

Just then, the housekeeper knocked on the door. "Officer White and Davius are in the foyer to speak with you, Mrs. Dare."

"Show them up," Valerie said confidently once the housekeeper left. Valerie called her father when he picked up, "Dad, I need a lawyer. Please get to my house as soon as possible. The police are already here, and I know don't answer any questions."

The door opened, and the two officers walked in. Valerie knew them both. She greeted them kindly, "Officer White and Davis, how nice to see you." She paused before turning from a smile to her stern lawyer face. "I have already called me laywer, he will be here soon." Nicoli was impressed with how she handled herself in front of the police.

"That isn't necessary, Mrs. Dare. We just have a couple of questions for you about the accident on the bridge leading to your estate."

"As I said, my lawyer is on his way," She spoke with authority. "You can ask your questions, but do not expect anything from me until he arrives."

Officer White stepped forward, "We received a report of a hit and run on the bridge two nights ago."

Valerie did not speak, just looked at the officer. After a few minutes of silence, he spoke again.

"A unanimous call came saying a black SUV ran into you back bumpper, causing you to swerve into their lane and be hit from the side, knocking your vehicle into the water. The caller seemed concerned for your safety," the officer stated.

Valerie still did not confirm or deny that her face was perfectly neutral as she looked at the officers. "Would either of you care for a glass of water?" she inquired.

"Mrs. Dare," Officer White was getting irritated by her lack of response, "about the accident,"

"Office White, I am not required to answer your questions without a lawyer. As you can see, I am perfectly fine, and unless you need something else, you can either wait for my lawyer to get here or you can leave."

"Mrs. Dare," Officer Davis interjected, "There's no need to make this difficult. It's a simple question. Can you confirm there was an accident on the bridge?"

"Officer Davis and Officer White, how nice of you to make a house call," Damon greeted as he walked in. He wrapped his arms around his wife from behind. "I trust my wife has made you comfortable," he gloated.

"Mr. Dare, we were just trying to confirm that your wife had been involved in an accident on the bridge heading to your estate."

"Why would you assume my wife had been involved in an accident?" Mr. Dare asked.

" A caller reported being involved in a hit and run. The caller suspected your wife's car had gone into the river." Office White repeated.

"Did you call your father?" Damon turned Valerie around to face him.

Valerie smiled, "Of course, I called my lawyer, and I already told these officers.

Just thenValentine walked in. "I would like a minute alone with my client," he said as everyone cleared out. Office White and Davis glared at him but left the room. He closed the door. "Valerie, tell me what is going on, and don't leave out anything important. We will deal with the cops tonight, and you and I can talk later about the rest."

"Sure," she smiled, "Three nights ago, there was an attempt on my life or an accident, depending on how you look at it. My car was hit from behind, and it pushed us into the other lane, getting hit a second time. The car went over the bridge into the water. I pulled Penelope out of the car and into the woods. My driver was killed at the scene. Anyhow, my driver died at the scene, but his death was not reported. The driver of the other car seems to have grown a conscience and reported the accident. However, now I have a few problems. One we never reported the accident. There was a death. Three Penelope and I both suffered injury, and she may not make it. Plus, Damon will not allow the cops to have the vehicle."

"Okay, one problem at a time," was all he said. He did not say anything to his daughter. He opened the door and only addressed Officer White. "Officer White, my client will confirm that there was indeed an accident three nights ago on the bridge, which forced her car into the river. As you can see, she is standing here before you perfectly fine. Despite your unnamed witness failing to check if everyone was okay, my client has no interest in pursuing legal action against the driver, who, unless I misunderstand from my client, you do not know who it is."

"We were hoping a look at her car may give us a lead, sir," Officer White responded.

"There is no cause for that," Valentinc rejected their offer. "As I said, my client does not intend to press charges."

"We could get a warrant," Office White interjected.

"For what purpose," Damon interjected, "As my wife's lawyer has already stated, we are not pressing charges."

"This is not over," Officer White said, irritated, "we will be back with a warrant in hand."

"You can try," Valentine added, "but you have no grounds for one."