Computers Quote by Mary Higgins Clark
““closed her computer. She felt herself breathing rapidly. I was going to be okay, she thought, if Lady Em had died in her sleep. That’s what old people do. If they’re right and she was murdered, will that change the way they look at me? It might provide cover for me and Ralphie. The article had said that the Cleopatra necklace was missing. That means the killer probably got into Lady Em’s safe. Unless he’s caught, nobody will know how much jewelry or which pieces were stolen. If I’m asked, I can say that Lady Em used to make copies of various pieces of her jewelry. She brought a number of legitimate pieces and a number of copies on the trip. The thief must have taken some of the good stuff and left the junk. Brenda was now feeling infinitely better. That also explains the guard at the door of her suite and not letting me in, she thought. The ship was trying to cover up the murder””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Death in the House, Mary Higgins Clark, 1995
A character rationalizes a murder by focusing on a missing necklace, hoping it will divert suspicion and protect herself and an accomplice.
In simple terms: She hopes a stolen necklace will cover her involvement.
Key Takeaway
Consider how evidence can be manipulated to mislead.
Themes
crime
deception
investigation
Mood
anxious
tense
Type
narrative
detective
When to use this quote
- murder investigation
- legal defense
- media reporting
Key Concepts
psychology
motivation
cover‑up
Questions to Reflect On
- What other clues might contradict her story?
- How does fear influence her decisions?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on a single piece of evidence can be risky.
