As we worked, he started talking more — about their life, three kids, two grandkids, their upcoming 30th anniversary. He looked like a devoted husband. Then his tone changed. “This stays between us, right?” he asked quietly. Before I could answer, he said, “I found messages from our neighbor on her phone. I lost it. I put pills in her juice. I didn’t mean to hurt her.” My heart dropped. Jerry,” I said, “this isn’t confidential. You just admitted to a crime.”
His face went pale. “But I thought I could trust you…” “I’m sorry,” I said, “but I have to report this.” I stepped out and called the police. “Her husband confessed to poisoning her,” I said. Minutes later, officers arrived and arrested Jerry in front of the ER staff. He collapsed, sobbing. “I love her… I didn’t mean it!” Back at Iris’s side, I watched her sleep. Hours later, she woke slowly. “Where’s Jerry?” she asked. I hesitated
