Chapter 8 - The Second Phone

No one moved.

The transfer request was active.

That meant someone in the room still had access.

Martin said, “Phones on the table.”

Grant laughed. “You’re not police.”

“No,” Martin said. “But Claire owns the property, and she can ask all of you to leave. If she wants law enforcement here, that can happen next.”

Grant’s jaw tightened.

I looked at Ryan. “Phone.”

He put his phone on the island.

Brooke did the same.

Diane followed.

Grant refused.

“Dad,” Brooke whispered.

He finally threw his phone down.

Martin checked the transfer metadata.

“Different device.”

I stared at Ryan.

He looked toward the foyer.

Too late.

I walked to the coat closet and opened his black wool coat.

Nothing.

Then I checked the inside pocket.

A second phone.

Ryan closed his eyes.

I held it up.

“Password?”

“No.”

“Fine.”

I handed it to Martin.

He photographed the screen and slipped it into an evidence bag the security officer provided.

Ryan exploded.

“You can’t take my property!”

I stared at him. “That concern arrived late.”

He kicked a barstool. It crashed against the cabinet.

I flinched despite myself.

My baby moved again.

Martin stepped between us. “Claire, I think we’re past the point where you should stay here tonight.”

Ryan laughed bitterly. “She’s kicking me out of my own home now?”

I looked at him. “Yes.”

Grant said, “You’ll regret humiliating this family.”

“No. I regret financing it.”

I called building security downstairs and revoked guest access for Grant and Diane.

Then I looked at Ryan.

His name was not on title.

But he was my spouse and resident. Removing him was more complicated.

Martin knew what I was thinking.

“We’ll handle that legally,” he said.

Ryan leaned close enough that the officer had to shift toward him.

“You think paperwork makes you powerful?” he whispered.

I met his eyes.

“No. The truth does.”

Then Brooke’s phone lit up on the table.

A message preview appeared.

DAD: DELETE THE GARAGE VIDEO NOW.

Everyone saw it.

Brooke stared at her father.

I asked one question.

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“What garage video?”

The House He Thought Was His