“Check the lining! Check her pockets!” she shrieked. “She’s clever. She’s a snake!”
I turned to James. He was standing behind his mother, his arms crossed over his chest, creating a physical barricade between us. He looked at me, and I saw the history of our marriage crumble. There was no doubt in his eyes, only relief—relief that if I was the villain, he didn’t have to stand up to his mother.
“James, please,” my voice cracked, tears finally spilling over. “You know me. You know I would never do this. Say something! Tell them!”
James looked at the officers, then at me. His lip curled upward in a sneer that shattered my heart more effectively than any hammer.
“Don’t say my name,” he hissed, his voice cold and unfamiliar. “My mother never lies. You’ve embarrassed me enough. You’ve brought shame into this house from the day you walked in.” He turned to the police, his posture rigid. “Officers, get her out of my sight. I want to press full charges.”
