Chapter 12 - Somebody Was Inside
Daniel stopped thinking like a son, a nephew, or a grieving widower.
He started thinking like a father under attack.
The photograph had been taken from inside the hotel room.
Not through a window.
Inside.
Police moved Daniel and Lily to a protected location. Marcus examined the hotel lock records and found a housekeeping key had opened Daniel's room at 3:17 that afternoon while he was downstairs meeting Nora.
The key belonged to an employee who had reported it missing.
Security video showed a woman in a housekeeping uniform entering the elevator.
Her face was partially hidden.
But the expensive white shoes were not.
Daniel recognized them.
He had bought the same pair for Vanessa's birthday.
Detective Grant froze the image. "Recognition isn't proof."
"Then get proof."
They did.
A rideshare record placed Vanessa three blocks from the hotel at 3:02. Her phone was turned off at 3:05 and back on at 3:41.
Rachel filed for an immediate protective order.
At the hearing the next morning, Vanessa arrived in navy blue with no makeup, looking fragile and frightened.
Her lawyer called Daniel violent.
Vanessa cried while describing the skillet incident.
Then Rachel played Emma's recording.
Vanessa stopped crying.
Rachel displayed the photograph from the hotel security camera.
Vanessa's lawyer asked for a recess.
The judge granted the protective order.
As they left, Margaret passed Daniel in the hallway.
"Enjoy your little victory," she murmured.
"Stay away from my daughter."
Margaret smiled.
"You still think this is about custody."
Daniel stopped.
She leaned close enough that only he could hear.
"Friday's vote happens whether you're there or not."
Daniel checked the time.
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The Hartwell board meeting had been moved.
It started in forty minutes.
