Chapter 6 - A Threat with a Picture
"Your brother isn't in danger because of anything he did," Maya told Zoe.
"But that picture is a threat, and you don't have to handle it alone."
Zoe's brother Micah worked nights at a warehouse downtown.
Judith had found his address through the background check Zoe completed when she started working for the Bishops.
She had used the family's trust to frighten the one person who'd intervened.
"I need this job," Zoe said, rubbing her palms together.
"My mother can't pay for Micah's community college by herself."
Andrew leaned forward.
"I will pay every hour you worked and give you a truthful reference. But I won't ask you to risk your safety for us."
"It's not just work," Zoe said.
"Emma asked me once whether people disappear when other people stop loving them. I thought she was talking about her mom."
"What was she talking about?"
"Clara told her there wouldn't be room for two daughters when the baby came."
The baby was a boy.
Clara had been showing everyone pale blue nursery samples for weeks.
Andrew remembered smiling at them while Emma sat silently at the other end of the table.
With Zoe's permission, Maya helped preserve the threatening texts and arrange a report.
Micah agreed to stay with a friend until he felt comfortable returning home.
Zoe would not be asked to contact Judith again.
That afternoon Clara sent Andrew a photograph of the faint mark on her cheek.
"You call yourself a protector?" her message read.
"Look at what you did."
He answered after discussing it with counsel.
"I was wrong to strike you. I have told the doctor and the investigator that. Our children both deserve safety. I will communicate about your medical needs and the baby through our attorneys for now."
There was no excuse for his slap, and he refused to manufacture one.
But he would not pretend it canceled what had happened to Emma.
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At six, a woman named Beth, who'd attended the shower, left a voicemail.
"Andrew, I was near the dining room. I filmed the moment before Zoe ran in. I think you need to see it."
