My Mother-In-Law Stole My Life Insurance Policy, So I Faked My Death To Expose Her Fraud

The impact was a sledgehammer to my spine. Cold, black water rushed in instantly, filling the cabin, stinging my eyes.

I thrashed in the dark, the water rising past my chin. The pressure on my chest was immense. I fumbled for the window crank—thank god for manual windows. I rolled it down as the water equalized, sucked in one last lungful of air, and pushed myself out.

I swam. I swam until my lungs burned and black spots danced in my vision.

I clawed my way up the muddy riverbank, gasping, retching up river water. I collapsed in the reeds, shivering violently. My head throbbed.

Above me, red and blue lights flashed on the bridge. Sirens wailed.

I saw divers preparing to jump. They were looking for a body.

If I went back up there... waiting for an ambulance... Barbara would find me at the Emergency Room. She’d finish what the brakes started.

I reached into my pocket. My wallet was soaked. I pulled out my ID card and tossed it into the mud near the water's edge.

Let them find the ID. Let them file the Death Certificate.

From the bushes, I watched a cop shake his head, speaking into his radio. "Likely fatality," he said.

According to the state, Linda Vance was a Missing Person, presumed dead.

Good. Dead women can't be murdered.