Mom continued.
“After her husband died, she became obsessed with money. She said she was tired of living modestly while developers made fortunes from land around us.”
I listened.
“Did she have financial problems?”
“Not that I knew.”
Ortiz looked thoughtful.
“We're examining payments and property interests connected to her and Marian.”
My mother wiped her face.
“Then Agnes wanted the land all along.”
The detective didn't answer immediately.
“We have evidence pointing in that direction. We still need to establish exactly what each person did.”
Two days later, the police announced several arrests.
Marian Vale was taken into custody in connection with suspected financial exploitation, fraud, and conspiracy involving the Seven Oaks properties.
Caleb Marsh, the young man who had visited Mom's house, was located and questioned.
Alex remained in custody in connection with Mrs. Wilson's confinement and the suspected financial crimes.
But Agnes had disappeared again.
This time, the authorities had evidence that she was alive.
