Page 79 of State of Grace (First Family 2)

“Did you know, Molly?” her father asked her, his expression conveying complete astonishment.

“I knew something was off,” Molly said, blinking back tears. “She wasn’t herself since I went away to college. Every time I talked to her, she was distracted, and there were times she didn’t take calls from me, which wasn’t like her.”

“Did you know about Mark?” her father asked again, more sharply this time.

“I suspected something was going on with him. She mentioned his name a lot to me.”

“Are you kidding me? And you didn’t say anything?”

“What was I supposed to say, Dad? ‘I think Mom might be banging Mr. Ouellette’?”

“To start with, yes. That might’ve kept her from being murdered.”

Molly’s face collapsed in the second before she broke down into heartbroken sobs.

Bob immediately realized what he’d done and went to comfort his daughter. “I’m so sorry, honey. Of course, none of this is your fault.”

“I sh-should’ve said something.”

“No, it wasn’t your problem.”

“I’m s-sorry, Dad.”

Her father hugged her until she’d calmed down.

“Why would she do such a fucked-up thing, and with him of all people?” Justin asked, his expression making his feelings known. “She couldn’t stand him. None of us can.”

“Can you think of anyone else who may have known about the affair and been angry enough to do something like murder your mother?” Sam asked.

“Other than our dad and the coach’s wife, who would care that much?” Molly asked.

“One of their kids?” Justin asked.

“Nah,” Lucas said. “They’re all decent kids, except for Aidan and his overblown ego. But that’s not really his fault. All his life, he’s been built up to be the next Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. It’s gone to his head.”

“Is he that good?” Freddie asked.

“Yeah, he really is,” Lucas said. “If any of us is headed for pro football, he is.”

“If you think of anything that might be relevant, even if it seems out there, will you please let us know?” Sam asked. “I believe you have my card.”

“We will,” Bob said for all of them.

“I’m sorry to have had to add to your grief with this information.”

“You think you know someone, really know them,” Bob said, shaking his head. “It’s unbelievable.”

What could she say to that? “I’ll have Patrol get you home later this afternoon.”

“Thank you.”

Sam couldn’t get out of that room fast enough.

Freddie was right behind her. “Freaking brutal,” he said.

“Ugh, I know.”

“And thanks for giving me the lead on that without any warning.”