The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2090

The driver's wife was still uneasy. "You're not going to pursue my husband's liability?" she asked, with a tremor in her voice.

Her worry was that Diana's family might come after her for a slew of expenses—medical bills, care costs, nutritional support—as it was her husband who had dozed off at the wheel, leading to the accident.

Though Diana was driving fast, she was within the speed limit and had not violated any traffic laws, so the bulk of the fault lay with her husband.

"I checked the road surveillance," Fitch began, "and your husband’s driving was definitely erratic, like he was nodding off."

Before Fitch could finish, the driver’s wife quickly interjected, "He's been driving for twelve years and never once fell asleep at the wheel! He goes to bed early every night so that he can be alert the next day when driving."

She explained to Fitch, "My husband works as a driver for an orchard out in the countryside. It sprawls over a large area with all kinds of fruit trees. Every morning, workers pick the freshest fruit which my husband then delivers to various stores around the city in his truck. Because the orchard’s produce is fresh and affordable, many shop owners prefer to order from them."

She continued her story. "We live in the countryside, not far from the orchard. He leaves home at seven in the morning, helps load the freshly packed fruit, and delivers it to the stores. Usually, he's not done until five or six in the evening. Then he drives the truck back and we, a family of seven, have dinner together."

Her voice wavered as she recounted the events of the previous night. "Last night, like always, he was driving home. I never expected him to have an accident on that mountain road."

Tears welled up in her eyes again. "After that road, it's just a short way to our house. He's driven that road for twelve years. I just can't believe it."

"So, you're saying his route has never changed?" Fitch picked up on something.

"Sorry," Fitch said, feeling remorse for his earlier suspicions.

"My husband is a responsible man. With ailing parents and three kids who aren't grown up yet, he would never abandon us." The driver's wife wiped away her tears and couldn't help but add, "Thinking about it now, his death really does seem suspicious."

"Would you consent to an autopsy then? If someone drugged him, it would reveal who's trying to harm my girlfriend. And if it turns out he fell asleep on his own, I won't hold you responsible. If you agree to the autopsy, I'll give you a sum of money—$100,000. How does that sound?"

When Fitch said such a staggering figure, the driver's wife’s eyes widened in shock.