Chapter 6 - THE BROTHER
Owen Pike's house was empty by the time deputies arrived.
Daniel stood in Grant's office with his arms crossed.
"Accidental," he repeated. "What was supposed to look accidental?"
Grant did not soften the answer. "We don't know yet."
"The horse spooking? Ethan getting hurt?"
"We don't know."
Daniel slammed his palm on the desk. "He's eight."
Grant waited until he looked at her.
"Then help me by staying calm enough to think."
Daniel hated that she was right.
They searched the Mercer house under a warrant that afternoon.
RULES FOR ETHAN.
Seven lines, printed in Claire's handwriting.
Rule seven: NEVER DISCUSS HOME CONSEQUENCES WITH DAD.
In a locked drawer they found a second phone.
Same model. Same case as Daniel's.
"She built an alibi in advance," Grant said.
Daniel stared at the screen.
"There's something else."
Daniel looked up.
Harris placed bank statements on the table.
"Your late wife created a trust for Ethan, correct?"
"Yes. Her parents funded it. I manage it until he's eighteen."
"Have you authorized any withdrawals in the last six months?"
"No. The money is invested. I don't touch it."
Harris tapped three transactions.
$48,000.
$72,500.
$105,000.
Daniel went still.
"I didn't approve those."
"Someone did."
"Who?"
Harris slid over a photocopy of an authorization form.
At the bottom was Daniel's signature.
It looked perfect.
Except Daniel knew he had never signed it.
Then he read the destination account.
PIKE EQUINE THERAPY & RETREAT LLC.
Claire's brother's company.
Daniel looked at Grant.
"The horse wasn't punishment," he said slowly.
Grant's expression turned grim.
May you like
"No. I think it was part of the plan."
* * *
