Chapter 5 - Oliver's Evidence
The video began with Oliver whispering so softly we had to turn the volume up.
"Dad, I don't know if I'm right. But she gets scared when I ask about the hospital."
He held a torn piece of paper to the camera.
It was the corner of Rachel's photograph.
Then he showed a business card.
ST. MATTHEW'S FAMILY SERVICES.
VANESSA LANE - RECORDS COORDINATOR.
I looked at him. "Where did you find that?"
"Her jewelry box."
Mara asked, "Why were you looking there?"
"Because she took Mom's picture."
The next clip showed Vanessa entering the kitchen after Oliver had gone upstairs.
She opened the hidden compartment and placed the blue folder inside.
"He still hasn't signed the incapacity packet," she said. "I need more time."
The voice answered, "The board meeting is Friday. Without the signature, you don't control his voting proxy."
"Then move the meeting."
"I can't."
"If Daniel won't sign voluntarily, we use the medical route."
For six months Vanessa had been telling friends I was exhausted, forgetful, unstable after stress at work.
She convinced me to see Dr. Peter Sloan, a neurologist she recommended.
He prescribed medication for insomnia.
I stopped taking it after it made me dizzy.
"We'll look at him."
The final clip was different.
Oliver had placed the tablet on the counter facing the hallway.
Vanessa and Grant stood near the pantry.
Grant said, "The surviving boy is the last problem."
Vanessa snapped, "Which one?"
"I mean Oliver."
I felt every hair on my arms rise.
Which one?
Two words that made the medical report feel suddenly real.
Grant handed Vanessa a sealed envelope.
"The Brooks family moved again," he said. "I don't want you contacting them."
Vanessa shoved the envelope into her purse.
Mara turned to the technician.
"Can you enhance the label?"
On the envelope was a forwarding sticker.
I had never heard the name.
"That's the woman who called here last month," he said.
May you like
"What woman?"
"She asked if I had a brother."
