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

James covered his face, feigning grief. Margaret stood stone-faced.
«What documents do we need?» she asked after a pause.
«The death certificate will be ready tomorrow,» Dr. Peters replied. «You can arrange for the body after formalities.»
«What about her belongings?» James asked. «She had a handbag with documents.»
«All secured in a locker. You’ll get them with the certificate.»
«Thank you, Doctor,» James said, attempting sorrow. «This is such a blow. We loved Emma so much.»

Margaret tugged his sleeve. «Let’s go. We need to plan.»

They left without asking to see the body. Emma felt nausea rise. «Scum,» she whispered, watching James’s retreating back. «Absolute scum.»

Captain Morris, observing beside her, shook his head. «You’re officially dead now, Emma Jane. For our purposes, you’ll be Anna Victoria Clarke. We’re preparing your new documents.»

Over the next week, Emma recovered in a secure ward under medical and police supervision. Morris updated her regularly.
«Your husband collected the death certificate,» he reported on day three. «He refused the body, citing emotional distress, and arranged a hospital-funded cremation.»
«Too cheap even for a funeral,» Emma said bitterly.
«But he’s actively pursuing the inheritance,» Morris continued. «We bugged the flat. He and his mother are discussing how to secure the property and accounts.»

Emma listened to their recorded conversations, each word a stab.
«The key is not to delay the paperwork,» James said on one tape. «Legally, we wait six months, but we can file now.»
«What about the bank accounts?» Margaret asked.
«Trickier. Need the death certificate, then a claim, but the money’s secure.»
«How much is there?»
«About £300,000.»
«Plus the flat?»
«Another million, maybe, at current prices.»
«Nice setup,» Margaret chuckled. «She didn’t appreciate you, and now she’s finally useful.»

Emma’s nails dug into her palms. They spoke of her like an object, a means to wealth.
«This is… monstrous,» she whispered.
«Works in our favour,» Morris said. «The more they say, the easier it’ll be to nail them.»

On day five, Morris brought news that turned Emma’s stomach. «Your husband has a new woman,» he said. «Sophie Davis, 25, daughter of your mother-in-law’s friend. She’s moved in.»
«So soon?» Emma didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. «I didn’t even know she existed.»
«From the recordings, they were involved before. Margaret’s been pushing them together.»

«God,» Emma covered her face. The marriage was a sham. Three wasted years, broken hopes, unfulfilled plans. Betrayed by those she trusted as family.
«I want them to pay,» she said firmly, meeting Morris’s eyes. «For every lie, every manipulation, and especially the attempted murder.»
«They will,» Morris promised. «We tested the cup. Traces of barbiturates, lethal dose. If your neighbour hadn’t called, you’d be gone.»..