Chapter 11 - The Photograph at the Fence

Isabel showed the threatening message to Detective Price before she did anything else.

"Don't answer it," he said. "We'll preserve the original message and request the phone records."

"Someone was close enough to photograph Caleb."

"We take that seriously. I'll contact his school and arrange a patrol check."

"He's already scared of people in uniforms," Isabel said. "Please don't let him think he's in trouble."

Price nodded. "I'll speak to the principal, not the playground."

Ethan arrived carrying a folder from the house.

"Sloane is staying in the guest wing," he said. "I changed the smart-lock codes. Olivia advised me not to force her off the property without a court order, but Caleb's with me and Lucille."

"Good."

"I need you to know that I didn't ask her to hide your letters."

"I know."

He looked relieved until she added, "You simply didn't wonder why there weren't any."

The words settled between them.

Isabel showed him the photograph. Ethan's face drained. "That's his school. I know that corner."

They drove together to speak with the principal. She confirmed the pickup list still named Sloane as an authorized adult, although Ethan had called earlier to revoke that permission.

"The update is pending central-office approval," the principal admitted.

"Then my son doesn't leave with anyone but me," Ethan said. "Get that in writing now."

The principal did. She also offered to have a counselor greet Caleb the following morning without discussing the case in front of classmates.

As they stepped outside, Olivia called.

"The bank placed a hold on the four-million-dollar transfer. But Victor Hales has requested the trust's original authorization file. Someone's preparing to challenge the freeze."

"Can he do that?" Ethan asked.

"Not lawfully if the signatures are forged. What worries me is that Sloane knew exactly which documents to use."

Isabel looked at the classroom windows, every one full of children who believed their parents would be there at pickup.

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Her phone buzzed again.

This time the sender hadn't used words. It was a photograph of a white van parked outside the school.