Chapter 12 - Sunday Morning
The boardroom sat on the forty-third floor overlooking a gray Chicago morning.
Richard entered at 8:57.
Conversation stopped.
Sophia was already seated beside Dr. Malcolm Crane.
Her blouse was buttoned to the neck. Her hair was neat. A faint bruise had been painted along her wrist.
Ethan walked in behind his father.
Sophia's expression flickered.
"Ethan."
He did not answer.
Julian Mercer sat near the far wall as an "outside financial adviser."
Thomas Reed's chair was empty.
Sophia began with tears.
She described months of fear. Richard's confusion. His temper. The "assault" in the hallway.
Crane presented medical notes.
Two board members avoided Richard's eyes.
Another asked whether he would agree to a temporary leave.
Richard folded his hands.
"No."
Sophia looked wounded.
"This is exactly what I mean. He cannot see what he has become."
Ethan finally spoke.
"Play the video."
Sophia turned toward him.
"What?"
Dana connected a laptop to the conference screen.
The footage began.
Everyone watched Sophia tear her own blouse.
Everyone watched her scream.
Everyone watched Ethan run in and strike his father.
Then the audio played.
If Ethan hits him, the board will believe the rest.
Sophia's face changed.
Julian stood.
"This is illegally obtained and manipulated."
Dana smiled without humor.
"The police disagree."
The boardroom doors opened.
Two detectives entered.
Crane rose halfway from his chair.
One detective said, "Dr. Malcolm Crane, we need you to remain seated."
Sophia grabbed Ethan's arm.
"You don't understand."
He pulled away.
"I understand enough."
Then Richard noticed Julian reaching slowly beneath the table.
Not for a weapon.
For his phone.
He typed one message before a detective took it.
May you like
The screen was still open.
BURN THE LAKE HOUSE FILES.
