Chapter 4 - Somebody Was Watching
Claire did not show the message to Ethan.
She showed it to Arthur.
His expression went still.
“When was this taken?” he asked.
“The timestamp says four thirty-nine.”
“That’s twenty minutes after we signed.”
Madison leaned closer. “Who sent it?”
“Unknown number.”
Ethan, still across the table, called out, “What now?”
Claire locked her phone. “Nothing you need to worry about.”
For once, the lie came easily.
Arthur moved them toward a private service hallway. His assistants followed. Madison came too.
“No,” Claire said. “You’re not coming with us unless you’re prepared to tell the truth.”
Madison’s chin trembled. “I am.”
“Then start with the flash drive.”
“It’s in my apartment.”
Ethan appeared at the end of the hall.
“Madison.”
She froze.
His voice was calm now, which made it worse.
“Come back to the table.”
“No.”
“You’re emotional.”
“I said no.”
Claire had never seen Madison look brave before. She had also never realized how frightened the woman was of him.
Ethan walked closer.
Arthur stepped into his path.
“You’ve been served, Mr. Cole. Go home. Call counsel.”
“This is my wife.”
“Your wife has asked to leave.”
“I wasn’t talking to Claire.”
Madison flinched.
That told Claire enough.
They left through the kitchen entrance and used Arthur’s car instead of Claire’s. Ten minutes later, Nora spotted a black SUV two cars behind them.
“Same turn three times,” she said.
Arthur checked the mirror. “Driver, don’t go to Madison’s apartment.”
Madison twisted around. “But the drive—”
“If someone is following us, they may already know about it.”
Her face drained.
Claire asked, “Is there another copy?”
Madison hesitated.
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“At work.”
Arthur gave a short, humorless breath. “The office Ethan controls?”
“Not exactly.”
She looked at Claire.
“I put it somewhere he would never search.”
The SUV stayed behind them for another mile, then disappeared at an intersection.
Claire’s phone rang.
This time the number was familiar.
Her father-in-law, Martin Cole.
She answered.
His voice was cold.
“Whatever you think you’re doing, stop.”
Claire stared out the window.
“Did Ethan call you?”
“No.”
“Then how do you know?”
Silence.
May you like
Claire’s stomach tightened.
Martin finally said, “Because this started before Ethan ever met you.”
