Page 17 of If She Remembered
Kate stepped forward, her hands raised in a calming gesture.She understood his anger and honestly didn't blame him for it.If someone had burst into her home in the middle of the night to arrest Allen, she'd be just as furious and protective.For a fleeting moment, she wondered if it was easier to understand the other side of these situations now that she wasn’t full-time.
"Mr.Chen, I know this is incredibly upsetting and confusing," she said, keeping her voice calm and measured."Your wife is being arrested under suspicion of—”
“Arrested!This is insanity.”
"It may be.But we have certain evidence that we are following, and as such, we are taking her in on suspicion of murder, or at least conspiracy to commit murder.I understand how shocking this must be."
"Murder?"Mr.Chen's voice cracked."Cassandrasaveslives.She helps people.This is absolutely ridiculous, and you and your entire department are sure as hell going to be hearing from our lawyer!"
Kate glanced at Dr.Chen, who remained silent as DeMarco finished reading her rights.The woman’s face was pale, but her expression was more confused than guilty.She looked like someone who genuinely didn't understand what was happening to her… that maybe she was having a very realistic dream.
"The circumstantial evidence has pointed to your wife as a prime suspect in our case," Kate continued, choosing her words carefully."We have two victims who were both patients of hers, both prescribed medication by her, and both found dead under circumstances that suggest possible foul play."
"Circumstantial evidence?"Mr.Chen scoffed."That's what you're basing this on?The fact that she treated these people?She's a psychiatrist, for God's sake.She treats hundreds of patients."
One of the backup officers, a stocky man with a mustache, cleared his throat."Ma'am, we're ready to transport the suspect."
Kate nodded but held up a hand for them to wait a moment longer.Something was bothering her about this whole situation, the same nagging feeling she'd had when Jake Bennett was their prime suspect.The evidence pointed to Dr.Chen, certainly.She had been treating both Carol Bennett and Thomas Rodriguez for anxiety, and she had shown clear disdain during their interview for empty-nesters who allowed their adult children to move back home.The pieces fit together logically.
But they had fit together logically with Jake, too, at one point.
"Mr.Chen," Kate said, "I want you to know that we're still investigating.This arrest doesn't mean the case is closed or that we've stopped looking for answers."
"Looking for answers?"His voice was bitter now."You've already decided she's guilty.You've dragged her out of her bed like she's some kind of criminal."
Dr.Chen spoke for the first time since the arrest began.Her voice was very calm and she sounded simply bothered than angry or worried."Richard, please.Let them do their job."Her voice was quiet but steady."If I'm innocent,which I am, then the truth will come out."
"The truth?"Mr.Chen turned to his wife, his expression a mixture of love and desperation."The truth is that you've dedicated your life to helping people with mental health issues.The truth is that you would never hurt anyone, let alone your own patients."
Kate studied Dr.Chen's face, looking for any sign of deception or guilt.What she saw was a woman who appeared genuinely confused and frightened, not someone who looked like they'd been caught in a lie.It was the same feeling she'd had about Jake Bennett during his interview, the sense that while the evidence pointed in one direction, something fundamental was missing.
"We need to go," DeMarco said quietly to Kate."I’d like to get her processed and into an interview room before that lawyer shows up."
Kate nodded, but her instincts continued to bother her.Yes, Dr.Chen had access to both victims.Yes, she had prescribed medication to both of them.Yes, she had expressed negative opinions about empty-nesters who enabled their adult children.But something about the case felt incomplete, like they were looking at a puzzle with several pieces still missing.
As the officers began to escort Dr.Chen toward the front door, Mr.Chen followed, his voice growing more desperate."Cassandra, don't say anything without the lawyer present.Do you hear me?Not a word."
"I understand," Dr.Chen replied, turning back to look at her husband."I love you, Alex.This will all be sorted out."
"I love you too," he said, his voice breaking slightly."This is… this issuch bullshit!"
Kate watched the exchange, noting the genuine affection between the couple.In her experience, people who were guilty of serious crimes often struggled to maintain normal relationships, especially under the stress of investigation and arrest.The Chens seemed to have a solid, loving marriage, which didn't prove Dr.Chen's innocence but did add another layer of complexity to the case.
As they walked toward the front door, Kate found herself thinking about the timeline.Carol Bennett had been found dead just two days ago, and Thomas Rodriguez had died only a few hours ago.If Dr.Chen was responsible for both deaths, she had acted with remarkable speed and precision.It was possible, certainly, but it seemed unusually bold for someone with no apparent criminal history.
Maybe these are things we should have discussed before waking her up at 3:00 in the morning and slapping cuffs on her, Kate thought.
The night air was crisp and cold as they stepped outside.Several police vehicles lined the quiet residential street, their red and blue lights creating an eerie atmosphere in the predawn darkness.A few neighbors had emerged from their homes, drawn by the commotion, and stood on their porches in bathrobes and slippers, watching the scene unfold.
Dr.Chen was placed in the back of one of the patrol cars, her head down and her hands cuffed behind her back.Kate could see Mr.Chen watching from the front window of their home, his face a mask of anguish and disbelief.
"What do you think?"DeMarco asked as they walked toward their own vehicle.
Kate paused before answering, still trying to identify what was bothering her about the arrest."I think we have enough circumstantial evidence to justify bringing her in for questioning.But I also think we're missing something important."
"Like what?"
"I'm not sure yet."Kate opened the passenger door and slid into the seat."It's the same feeling I had about Jake Bennett.Everything points to Dr.Chen, but it feels too neat… too convenient."
