Chapter 14 - The Recording Nobody Wanted
Ruth refused to let us break into a hotel safe. Instead, we gave Daniel's statement and the key information to Detective Bennett. She coordinated lawful steps to obtain the records. The wait felt endless.
When Bennett called, she sounded shaken.
“Margaret, can you come to the station?”
We sat across from her while she played a recovered audio file. Charles's voice was unmistakable.
“Nathan took the inspection records,” he said. “Get them back. I don't care what you have to do.”
A second man replied, “And Hale?”
“Make sure he never delivers the report.”
The recording ended.
Emily gripped my hand so hard it hurt. Neither of us let go.
Bennett explained that investigators were examining financial transfers, records of the staged death, and the two fatalities. She made no promises about arrests. Prosecutors would need to verify each piece.
“There is something else,” she said.
She placed an old newspaper clipping on the table. It showed Nathan outside a courthouse, arguing with an older man.
“Eleanor's statement suggests Nathan had planned to give testimony. We now believe the threats against him began before his death.”
“Did Daniel know?” Emily asked.
“We don't know.”
On our way home, the wedding planner called. Vivian hadn't canceled anything. Guests were flying in from across the country. The ballroom was decorated; the flowers were paid for; the officiant was confirmed.
“Maybe I should tell everyone myself,” Emily said.
Before I could answer, a text arrived from an unknown number.
IF EMILY DOESN'T WALK DOWN THAT AISLE TOMORROW, THE LAST RECORDING GOES PUBLIC WITH HER NAME ON IT.
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Attached was a photo of Emily's private medical records from her teenage years.
On the drive home from the station, Emily asked whether I wished I had spent my life pursuing Thomas's case instead of raising her. I almost pulled over. 'Never,' I told her. 'Your father wanted you safe and loved. I made choices with the information I had. I can wish I'd known more without wishing away the life we built.' She watched rain gather on the windshield. 'I wish I could ask him what to do.' I squeezed her hand. 'Maybe he already showed you how.'
