Chapter 8 - The Official Report
Back at the Ashford estate, morning light broke over the smoking, charred ruins of the master bedroom wing.
Detective Marcus Vance stood clipboard in hand, questioning Julian and Eleanor outside the police tape.
“According to our preliminary forensic sweep, the fire originated near an unapproved space heater in the dressing room,” Detective Vance stated.
Eleanor dabbed her dry eyes with a silk handkerchief, putting on a masterclass performance of profound grief.
“We tried everything to save her,” Eleanor wept dramatically, leaning against her son’s shoulder.
“Julian burned his hands trying to force the door open, but the flames were simply too violent.”
Julian held up his bandaged palm, looking at the detective with a solemn, hollow expression.
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“I lost my wife and my unborn child in a matter of minutes,” Julian said, his voice cracking with rehearsed sorrow.
“I just want to be left alone to grieve.”
