Chapter 18 - Nora’s Confession
At the hospital, Lily slept curled against my chest while doctors checked a scrape on Nora’s wrist.
Marcus was under guard two floors away.
Claire sat across the room, silent.
Daniel had been arrested formally and was negotiating cooperation through his own attorney.
Nora stared at the floor.
“I made the fake recording.”
I looked at her.
“What?”
“The one on the prepaid phone. I built it from Anna’s archived audio.”
“Why?”
“To flush Marcus out.”
“You used Anna’s voice.”
“I needed him to believe Daniel had recorded him recently.”
“You involved Lily.”
“No.” Nora’s head snapped up. “Never. Marcus found out about the fake file and contacted me. He said he had someone watching the school. He told me if I called police, he’d take Lily before anyone could stop him.”
“So you took her to him yourself?”
“I thought I could trade myself.”
My voice rose. “She is four years old.”
“I know!”
Lily stirred against me.
I forced myself quiet.
Nora covered her face.
“I was trying to finish what Anna started.”
“That sentence has ruined enough lives.”
Claire flinched.
Good.
It was meant for her too.
Rachel entered with a folder.
“Marcus is talking.”
Everyone looked up.
“He admits the financial scheme. He admits ordering surveillance on Anna. He denies ordering her death.”
“Of course he does.”
Rachel continued. “But Daniel’s recording supports conspiracy and obstruction. The mechanic has also been located.”
“Alive?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“He says Daniel paid him.”
Daniel.
Not Marcus.
Nora whispered, “No.”
Rachel’s face was hard.
“The mechanic says Daniel told him to make sure Anna’s brakes failed before she reached the highway.”
My stomach turned.
Daniel had lied again.
He hadn’t learned about the sabotage afterward.
He ordered it.
My phone buzzed.
A text from Daniel’s attorney.
Daniel wants to speak to you before he signs a full confession.
Below it was a message from Daniel himself.
May you like
There is one thing Anna never knew.
And it’s about Lily.
