Chapter 9 - THE SECOND PLAN
Daniel wanted Claire arrested again immediately.
Harris wanted patience.
"She said accidents."
"I heard her. I also want charges that stick."
Daniel paced the interview room.
The forensic analyst recovered deleted messages from the hidden-camera card.
One message thread mentioned a "red folder."
Another referenced "Lily's original complaint."
Daniel stopped pacing.
"What complaint?"
Rebecca Sloan answered from speakerphone.
"Claire worked at that charity?"
Silence.
Keyboard clicks.
Then Rebecca inhaled sharply.
"Not as Claire Mercer."
A scanned staff directory appeared in Daniel's email.
Eight years earlier, the charity employed a bookkeeper named Claire Pike.
Same face. Darker hair.
Daniel sat down.
"She knew Lily."
"Apparently," Rebecca said.
Harris leaned toward the screen. "Was she fired?"
"I'm checking."
Thirty seconds later Rebecca spoke again.
"Yes. Financial irregularities. No prosecution. The board settled quietly."
His phone rang.
Rachel.
He answered immediately. "Is Ethan okay?"
"Don't touch it."
"I didn't. The deputy has it."
"What is it?"
"A red folder."
Daniel and Harris exchanged a look.
Rachel continued.
"There's a note on top."
"Read it."
Her voice dropped.
May you like
"It says, 'Lily tried to warn you once. She won't get a second chance.'"
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