Chapter 8 - The Arrest
“No,” Ethan said.
The officer looked at him. “Sir?”
“You’re not taking her anywhere until I understand what this is.”
The second officer stepped forward. “Mr. Cole, this warrant was signed by a judge. We are required to execute it.”
Mara looked terrified. “I didn’t steal anything.”
Claire spoke softly. “You should cooperate.”
Ethan turned on her. “Not another word.”
For once, Claire obeyed.
Daniel read the warrant over the officer’s shoulder. “It says corporate files were found on a laptop registered to Mara.”
“I don’t even own a personal laptop,” Mara said.
The officer frowned. “The serial number is tied to an online purchase under your name.”
Mara shook her head. “No.”
Leonard stepped forward. “I’m her counsel until she has independent representation.”
Claire laughed under her breath. “You’re suddenly everyone’s lawyer?”
Leonard ignored her.
Ethan looked at the officers. “Where was the laptop found?”
“In a locker at Union Station.”
“Who accessed the locker?” Daniel asked.
“We don’t have that information here.”
Mara began crying again. “Mr. Cole, I swear to you—”
“I believe you,” Ethan said.
Claire’s eyes flashed.
The officer gently cuffed Mara’s hands in front of her.
Sophie started fussing on the blanket.
Mara looked toward the baby. “Please don’t leave her alone.”
Ethan knelt, picked Sophie up, and held her against his chest.
“I won’t.”
As the officers led Mara toward the door, she suddenly stopped.
“Ethan.”
It was the first time she had used his first name.
He looked at her.
“The old phone,” she said.
“What about it?”
“The one that was stolen from my apartment. I lied.”
Claire went completely still.
Mara continued. “I didn’t keep it there.”
Ethan’s pulse kicked.
“Where is it?”
Mara looked toward the east wing.
“Rachel hid it in Sophie’s room before she died. Behind the wallpaper panel with the painted moon.”
Claire moved first.
She turned and ran toward the stairs.
Daniel shouted, “Stop!”
Ethan handed Sophie to a stunned guest and sprinted after her.
Claire reached the upper landing.
She tore down the east hallway.
Ethan was ten feet behind when she reached the nursery door.
She grabbed the handle.
May you like
Locked.
Then, from inside the nursery, they heard a phone begin to ring.
