Chapter 17 - The Marina Recording
Police reached the marina before Victor's boat left the dock. Investigators later told Adrian that Victor was detained in connection with the financial investigation and outstanding warrants related to evidence tampering. The suspected involvement in Thomas's death remained a separate matter requiring proof.
Adrian waited at Nora's bedside when Detective Jackson called with an update. “We recovered a device containing a recording,” she said. “We need to verify its authenticity.”
Nora rubbed her thumb along the edge of the blanket. “Can I hear it?”
“Not yet. I won't show you something that may have been altered.”
Hours passed. Then the lab confirmed that the file appeared continuous, though further forensic work would be needed. With Nora's consent, Jackson played an excerpt in a private room.
Thomas's voice was rough with anger. “Victor, I'm not going to be bought.”
Victor answered, “You've misunderstood the arrangement.”
“No. I know where the money went. Robert knows too.”
A door opened on the recording. Someone else entered.
Patricia's voice said, “Thomas, please don't make this worse.”
Then came a scrape of chairs and Thomas saying, “If anything happens to me, Nora has copies.”
The recording ended. It placed Victor and Patricia with Thomas shortly before his death, and raised urgent questions, but it contained no direct confession of murder.
Nora sat motionless. She had spent years trying to remember the sound of her father's voice. Hearing him alive and brave, arguing with people who'd treated her like a problem, broke something inside her.
Adrian reached for her hand. She let him hold it.
Later that day, the hospital team noticed changes in Nora's contractions. Dr. Flores examined her and explained that continued pregnancy was becoming riskier. They discussed the options, including early delivery and neonatal support.
Nora listened closely. “Tell me what gives my baby the best chance.”
The doctor spoke plainly. Nora asked questions until she understood what was happening. Then she looked at Adrian.
“I need you here,” she said.
“I'm here.”
“Not as the hero of some family mess. As this baby's father.”
Adrian nodded, swallowing hard.
Just after midnight, an alarm sounded on the fetal monitor. Nurses moved toward the bed.
May you like
Dr. Flores entered and said, “Nora, we need to deliver your baby now.”
