Chapter 15 - The Night Daniel Died
Clara watched the traffic footage again, this time with the full video from Daniel's phone. The black SUV belonged to a security contractor paid by Victor. Its driver had been arrested once for assault, then had his record sealed after a payment to a county official.
Daniel had called Clara three times that night. She had been asleep and missed all three calls. The final message was short: I love you. Keep the baby safe. Don't let them tell you I ran.
She broke down then, not loudly, but with a grief so deep it seemed to take the air from the room.
Vincent sat beside her without touching her until she reached for his hand.
"He knew he was going to die," she said.
"He knew they were following him. He still chose to protect Sofia."
A forensic analyst confirmed the brake line had been cut before the crash. The SUV had boxed Daniel in, forcing him toward the barrier. The evidence was enough to reopen the case as a homicide.
The investigator also found a payment from Victor to the man who had altered the accident report.
Clara looked at the report and then at Daniel's photograph.
"I want to testify," she said.
Vincent started to object.
"No," she told him. "You don't get to decide what I can face. Daniel died protecting people. I can tell the truth about him."
For the first time, Vincent understood that protecting Clara meant listening when she said no.
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The investigator told Clara that her testimony could help establish motive, but she would not be forced to face Victor without support. Clara asked for Daniel's final call log to be entered into evidence. She wanted the record to show that he had tried to get home to her.
Then the hospital called. The new prenatal results were ready, and the doctor wanted to speak with her immediately.
