Chapter 10 - The Death Nobody Questioned
Emma's aneurysm had been ruled natural. Daniel had no reason to question it then, and the new evidence did not change the medical facts.
But it changed everything around them.
Margaret had been preparing to strip Emma of authority before her death.
"Don't turn this into a murder theory," Rachel warned. "We have abuse, fraud, coercion, and a financial motive. That's already enough."
Daniel nodded. He didn't need a fantasy. The truth was ugly enough.
Nora from CPS listened to Emma's recordings and immediately requested emergency restrictions preventing Margaret and Vanessa from contacting Lily.
Renee signed a sworn statement.
For the first time, Daniel felt the ground stop moving.
Then the hotel fire alarm sounded.
Guests poured into the hallway.
Daniel grabbed Lily, her shoes, and the folder of copies. Rachel took Emma's phone.
In the stairwell, a man wearing a hotel maintenance jacket pushed against the crowd going the wrong direction.
He looked directly at Lily.
Daniel turned his body.
The man reached for the child.
"Hey!"
Daniel slammed him against the wall. The man's cap fell off. Rachel shouted for security.
He tore free and ran up the stairs.
Police found no fire.
They also found the maintenance jacket abandoned on the ninth floor.
Inside one pocket was a laminated visitor badge from Hartwell Logistics.
Name: Trent Reed.
Daniel called Renee.
"Where is Trent?"
She answered in a whisper.
"Daniel, don't come here."
"Why?"
May you like
A man's voice sounded behind her.
Then the line went dead.
