«Tell my husband and mother-in-law that I died…

The investigation moved fast. Wiretaps captured James and Margaret discussing their crime. Forensics confirmed barbiturates in Emma’s cup and Margaret’s drain. Witnesses—Dr. Peters, Mr. Simmons—solidified the case. James broke on the third interrogation, admitting everything but blaming Margaret.
«She suggested it,» he insisted. «She got the poison, planned it. I didn’t want to.»

Margaret held out longer but cracked under evidence, claiming James was the mastermind.
«He was obsessed with the flat,» she said. «I just wanted to help my son. Any mother would.»

Emma attended some interrogations, searching their eyes for remorse but finding only fear and self-preservation. Nina Davis called once, voice trembling.
«Emma, I had no idea,» she said. «I thought it was a heart attack. Val never told me.»
«I believe you, Nina,» Emma said wearily.
«How’s Sophie?»
«Not good,» Nina admitted. «She’s a wreck. It hit her out of nowhere. She thought James was a widower.»
«I know,» Emma said. «Tell her I don’t blame her.»

The call brought odd relief. Emma wasn’t alone in her pain—Sophie, Nina, even Simmons, shunned by James after calling the ambulance, were victims too.

The trial began three months after the arrests. Emma was the key witness. Seeing James and Margaret in the dock, she couldn’t believe they were once her family. James looked haggard, sneaking fearful glances. Margaret held a facade of dignity, but her clenched hands betrayed her.
«Defendant Thompson,» the judge addressed James. «Do you plead guilty to attempting to murder your wife, Emma Jane Thompson, and fraudulent property schemes?»
«Guilty,» James mumbled, eyes down. «But I want to say—»
«You’ll speak later,» the judge cut in. «Defendant Margaret Thompson, do you plead guilty to complicity in attempted murder and fraud?»
«Guilty,» Margaret said coldly. «But I ask for leniency. I acted out of love for my son.»

Emma listened stone-faced. Love for her son—what a twisted excuse for pushing him to kill. The prosecution presented damning evidence—recordings, forensics, witness testimonies. The defence tried to soften the charges, citing clean records and confessions, but the case was ironclad.

When Emma took the stand, she spoke evenly, as if recounting someone else’s life. She described the tea, Margaret’s arrival, the bitter taste, losing consciousness.
«The last thing I heard was Margaret saying, ‘It’ll be over soon,’» she finished.
«Did you suspect their intentions?» the prosecutor asked.
«I knew they wanted my property,» Emma said. «James tried to gain control of my accounts. They discussed redecorating my inherited flat. But I never imagined they’d go this far. I couldn’t fathom loved ones doing this.»..