Chapter 7
Chapter 7
My heart started racing as the worst possible scenarios flashed through my mind.
Richard had kidnapped my mom – what the hell was he planning?
Unlike his hysterical phone voice, the moment he saw me, his eyes filled with tears.
“Emma, how could you go days without calling me?”
“You have no idea… how much I’ve missed you…”
His words might have sounded romantic if he wasn’t holding a scalpel to my unconscious mother’s throat.
In just a few days, Richard’s dark circles had gotten so deep they looked like bruises.
The investigation was clearly taking its toll.
I spoke loudly and clearly.
“Richard, we can talk about whatever you want, but let my mom go first!”
He acted like he couldn’t hear me, rambling on:
“I finally realize you’re the only person who’s ever been good to me. That bitch Lily threw me under the bus the second things went south! She’s the one who killed my mother!!”
“Let’s not get divorced, okay? Everything before was my fault. We can have a good life together, I’ll treat you right…”
Richard’s hands were shaking as he spoke, his expression completely unhinged.
I could see tiny drops of blood on my mother’s neck and broke out in a cold sweat.
“I agree! Just let my mom go first, please? Richard, I’m begging you!!”
But Richard’s grip on my mother tightened.
His crazed expression mixed with desperation.
“Emma, could you write a victim impact statement as my mother’s daughter–in–law?”
“The police are still investigating me. If you write a statement as family asking for leniency, I could get a reduced sentence! Emma, you’re the only one who can help me now!”
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm while frantically thinking of a plan.
“Richard, I’ll write the statement, but let my mom go first!”
I kept my voice low and steady.
He hesitated, loosening his grip slightly but still clutching the scalpel.
“You… you promise you’ll write it now, or else I…”
His voice was shaking. He paused, tears falling.
“I really don’t want to kill anyone…”
08:07
He Thought He Was Killing My Mother, But Butchered His Own!
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Chapter 7
I quickly pulled out a pen and paper..
“I’ll write it! I’ll write it right now! Just stay calm!”
I crouched down to write, whispering into my earpiece:
“Officer, what do I do now!”
“He’s too close to the hostage – we can’t move in. You need to get him to back away…”
I forced myself to stay composed, continuing to write while carefully asking:
“Richard, is there anything specific you want me to include? Just tell me and I’ll write exactly what you want.”
His breathing was rapid, the knife still trembling in his hand.
“Write… write that you’re my wife, my mother’s daughter–in–law! Write that you forgive me for accidentally causing my mother’s death and that you want us to have a good life together!”
I nodded, pretending to focus on writing.
I deliberately slowed my voice, trying to buy time.
“Richard, do you remember our wedding day? You said you’d always protect me.”
I spoke softly while writing.
“Why don’t you write something too? That way it’ll look like a real joint statement from husband and wife.”
He froze, like the memory had triggered something.
The scalpel dipped slightly away from my mother’s neck.
The voice in my earpiece came immediately:
“Good, he’s relaxing. Keep him calm!”
My heart was pounding and sweat beaded on my forehead, but I softened my voice while slowly moving closer:
“Come here, Richard. Hold my hand while we write this together, okay?”
Tears streamed down his face, his voice choked with emotion:
“Emma… you really want to be with me again?”
I looked into his eyes.
“Come over here and I will.”
His eyes flickered uncertainly as the scalpel moved further from my mother’s throat.
The officers hiding in the corners began to move.
I held my breath, waiting for that split second of opportunity-
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08:07
He Thought He Was Killing My Mother, But Butchered His Own!