Chapter 37

Erica saw Detective Winters standing there with a curious expression on her face. It was as if she was trying to find something hidden.

"Detective Winters," Erica said.

The detective walked in but addressed Michelle first. "I'm surprised to see you here. After all, your ex is sitting in a jail cell as we speak. I would think you'd be out celebrating."

Michelle crossed her arms. "Ms. Richards needed some help. I do owe her."

Winters nodded her head. "Seems like you have quite a cheering section…Erica."

Erica looked at her annoyed. "What do you want?"

"How did you end up in a hospital bed?" asked Winters.

"That's none of your business. My health issues are none of your concern."

"Health issues. I'd say it's an abuse issue. Your client is bruised and you are too. By the looks of it, you took some good hits. Ms. Richards, I'm going to have to take your statement regarding Terrence Michaels."

"Fine," Erica said. She looked at Mark and Michelle. "Would you please excuse us?"

Michelle walked out but Mark stayed behind. He had this sudden urge to protect her. These women seemed to have some history. Still, he didn't want to leave her alone.

She squeezed his hand. "It's okay. I'm fine," Erica reassured. Mark got up and left but not before warning Winters about upsetting her and causing more damage to her already bruised body.

Kimberly closed the door and stood at the foot of Erica's bed. "Look, I'm sorry about this incident. I'm sure another assault brings back memories. However, we need to talk about something else."

"What would that be?" Erica asked.

"Magic," Kimberly said. She waited for a reaction but Erica gave none. She continued, "Terrence said you used magic to make him confess and that is a similar thing Scott said two years ago. My question to you is: Where is Scott?"

"I have no idea. I haven't had any contact with the man. I have already related this information to you," Erica replied. She truly had no idea what happened to his body.

Kimberly said, "Two people mention you and magic and you seem unfazed by it."

Erica sighed. "They were clearly out of their minds. Why would you believe them? They'd say anything to get out of from serving time behind bars."

"Erica, I can see one person but two doing it…no. That's unlikely."

"So you believe them over me?" Erica questioned.

"I'm here for the truth. What happened to Scott?"

"He's out of my life," Erica said. "Please leave so I can get some rest."

Kimberly knew she wasn't going to get any more information out of her. "I do hope you get better."

She left the room and Erica sighed. Mark came in and asked if she was alright. "I'm fine. Where's Michelle?"

"She's gone. Whatever that was, it looked intense. Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked.

"No, there's nothing you can do. I can handle it. You don't have to stay with me. I'm sure I'll get discharged soon. I've taken up more time than allowed. I'll be fine," Erica said.

He took her hand in his. "Are you sure?" She nodded yes and he said his goodbye.

Kimberly sat in her office at the police station going through Scott's file. She never forgot that case and now she had a renewed interest to dig. She always wondered what happened to him and his biological father. She had to go to the source or who she believed was the source. She had to call Daniel and Regina Richards.

She ran across a number in the file and dialed. She hoped the number was still good.

"Hello," Daniel said.

"Hello, this is Detective Kimberly Winters. NYPD. May I speak with a Daniel or Regina Richards?"

He said, "This is Daniel. How may I help you?" He knew that name sounded familiar.

"I'm here about your daughter Erica Richards. She was involved in a minor altercation today and she ended up in emergency care," Winters stated.

"Is she okay?" he asked worried.

"She's fine but something came up today. This question may sound weird to you but has Scott Williams ever made contact with you?"

Daniel's voice deepened. "No, he hasn't. I don't know where he is." What did Erica get involved in this time?

"Your daughter said the same thing. I asked because the assailant involved in this particular incident mentioned Ms. Richards using magic on him. It's strange that Mr. Williams voiced similar accusations two years ago. I think maybe Williams teamed up with this man and is looking for payback of some sort," Winters said.

Daniel gripped the phone. "Mr. Williams has not made any contact with me or anyone in my family. I have nothing to say about him."

"Well, thank you for your time," Winters said and hung up. Kimberly tapped a pen on her desk. Her father knew something and she was going to find out what it is.

Daniel slammed the phone on the hook. He sighed heavily. He knew something was going to happen and now he had to figure out a way to head this cop off before anybody knew what they did.

Regina walked into the living room. "Who was on the phone?" She saw Daniel's shoulders slump over. "Is it Jacob?"

"No, Erica. I was right. I had every reason to be worried about her. I'm afraid she might have done something that could blow our secret out the water."

"What?" Regina asked skeptically.

"She used magic and now that Detective Winters from New York is probably going to look into Scott's case."

She gasped. "You have got to be kidding me," she said.

"I wish I were," Daniel replied.