The officers hadn't expected a counter-narrative. They began taking statements from both sides, gathering preliminary evidence.

I laid out everything I had done that day, clearly and precisely, leaving nothing out.

"Based on the evidence we have so far, the murder accusation against Catherine Gilbert cannot be substantiated." Captain Seth Chavez's expression was grave.

Andrew and his parents went pale. The villagers erupted again.

"How can you protect a killer?"

"Do you even know how to do your jobs?"

The officers looked uncomfortable under the barrage of accusations.

I knew it was time for me to speak up.

"From the very beginning, all of you have taken the Finch family's word as gospel." I spoke slowly, letting every syllable land. "Has anyone stopped to consider whether their story even makes sense?"

I turned to Andrew. "You just told the officers that only my fingerprints were in the kitchen, correct? And your mother swore that no one set foot in there after I left?"

Andrew's brow furrowed. A flicker of unease crossed his face.

"Obviously! We can all vouch for each other. We were sitting right here in the courtyard the whole time, talking. Why would anyone go into the kitchen?"

He clung to that story like a lifeline.

I stared at him, unblinking. "Then this should be very simple."

I turned to Captain Chavez. "Since he's so certain no one else went in, I'd ask that you seal the kitchen immediately and collect fingerprint and footprint samples right now."

The moment those words left my mouth, Andrew's composure shattered.

Just as I'd suspected.

If I hadn't cooked, and people were still dead, then someone else had gone into that kitchen after me.

I wanted to see just how airtight their little setup really was.

"No!"

Andrew threw his arms wide, blocking my path.

"Catherine, stop fighting this. If you really let the police dig into it, the consequences will be more than you can handle."

"Think about Mom and Dad. Think about this family. Just admit you did it."

"We promise we won't press charges. You have our word."

Every word dripped with false sincerity, like a man begging his wife to sacrifice herself for the greater good.

But I saw him clearly now. Even at this point, he still thought I was a fool.

"Are you done?"

I shot him a look. "Then get lost."

A flash of irritation crossed Andrew's eyes, but he composed himself almost instantly.

He turned and found Captain Chavez.