Chapter 15 - Smoke
The fire was small and deliberate.
A trash bin in the records room had been filled with solvent and ignited by a timer.
By the time the building was cleared, Vanessa was three blocks away.
Security footage showed her leaving through the loading dock in a maintenance jacket.
"She planned an exit before the meeting," Marcus said.
Daniel's forensic copies were safe, but one thing worried him.
"The drive she took has Claire's original evidence from six years ago."
Claire looked sick. "Including the names of everyone your father paid."
"Why does she need it now?" I asked.
Marcus answered. "Leverage."
Within an hour, one of those names called me.
Retired Judge Howard Bell.
"Mr. Mercer," he said, voice shaking, "your wife contacted me. She says she'll release documents showing I helped your father bury the original investigation."
"Did you?"
Silence.
"Yes."
My disgust must have carried through the phone.
"I was wrong," he said. "And I'm prepared to testify."
"Then do it."
"There's more. Vanessa wants something from you."
"What?"
"A signed transfer of your voting shares."
I laughed without humor. "Tell her no."
"She said if you refuse, she'll send the evidence to people who have more to lose than their reputations."
Claire's eyes narrowed. "She's threatening witnesses."
Bell whispered, "Not just witnesses. Some of these men are dangerous."
The line crackled.
Then Bell said, "She also told me to give you a message."
"I'm listening."
"Bring the transfer papers to your father's old cliff house at midnight. Come alone."
I looked at Marcus.
"And if I don't?"
Bell swallowed.
"She says you'll attend another funeral."
Claire stepped closer.
"Whose?"
Bell's answer turned the room cold.
May you like
Outside the building, Claire stood under the flashing fire lights with wet hair plastered to her face. 'She always has another exit,' she said. I asked how she knew. Claire looked at me. 'Because people like Vanessa don't build plans. They build rooms inside rooms. Every door hides another door.'
"Daniel's."
