(A crime of arson story)


The café was quiet, with only a few early birds sipping their morning coffee. Julianna was already there, sitting at a corner table, her posture poised yet tense.

"Julianna," I greeted as I approached.

"Attorney Cadie," she acknowledged with a nod. "Thank you for coming."

We ordered coffee, and then I dove right in. "Why frame Felicia? What do you gain from it?"

Julianna's eyes darkened, and she leaned forward. "It's not about what I gain, Cadie. It's about what I prevent. Felicia was getting too close to the truth about the family fortune, about how Elara and I... managed it."

"Managed it? You mean embezzled it," I said flatly.

She didn't flinch. "Call it what you will. But Felicia was a threat. She's too idealistic, too... clean. She would have exposed everything, and I couldn't allow that."

I shook my head in disbelief. "So you ruin her life? Set her up for crimes she didn't commit?"

Julianna looked away, a flicker of remorse in her eyes. "I did what I had to do. But now that you're here, maybe there's another way."

I leaned back, processing her words. "What are you suggesting?"

"We make a deal. I have information that could save Felicia, clear her name. In exchange, you help me disappear. No trial, no scandal."

It was a tempting offer, one that could end Felicia's nightmare. But could I trust Julianna? Or was this another one of her games?


To be continued...
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