Chapter 18 - My Old CaseNine years earlier, I had helped investigate a state contractor who diverted public funds through supposedly respectable charities. The case ended in convictions, but my work had made powerful enemies. Among the people questioned, though never charged in that case, was a young financial adviser named Evelyn Harrington.
I had almost forgotten her name. I had never forgotten her smile.
“She knew who I was when Chloe married Garrett,” I said to Nora.
“Apparently.”
“Did she choose my daughter because of me?”
“We don't know that. Don't let her claim power over every coincidence in your life.”
But I needed to hear it from Evelyn. I didn't contact her. I gave Ortiz everything I remembered about the old case and requested the archived files through proper channels.
Investigators found communications suggesting Evelyn had asked an employee to research me before the wedding. That wasn't proof she'd orchestrated the marriage. It was proof she'd watched us more closely than I'd realized.
Chloe grew upset when I mentioned the old investigation. At first I thought the subject frightened her. Then she used her communication board to spell three words.
NOT YOUR FAULT.
I stared at the letters and cried.
“No, baby. I'm supposed to say that to you.”
She squeezed my fingers.
A few days later, the financial investigation produced a dramatic result. Search warrants uncovered the missing ledgers in a storage unit leased through a business associated with Evelyn. Forensic examination would determine who placed them there and when, but the documents linked payments, trust amendments, and efforts to discredit both Natalie and Chloe.
Ortiz came to the hospital after her shift.
“We have enough now to take further action,” she told me.
“What kind?”
May you like
Before she could answer, the television in the waiting room broke into a live report.
Evelyn Harrington was being led out of her attorney's office in handcuffs.
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