Chapter 8 - The Fake Doctor
The psychiatrist’s name was Dr. Steven Halpern.
Alexander had never met him.
Yet the report described six private examinations, panic episodes, rage, alcohol dependence, and suicidal thoughts.
“This is fiction,” Alexander said.
Jenna pointed to the signature page.
“Nolan notarized it.”
At 7:10 the next morning, Alexander’s lawyers filed an emergency objection.
At 7:22, the judge requested evidence.
At 7:31, Dr. Halpern disappeared from his clinic.
Vincent found his abandoned car near Love Field.
Inside was a burner phone.
One outgoing number matched Vanessa’s prepaid phone.
Another matched Nolan Pierce.
The third belonged to Victor Cole.
Alexander looked at the call log.
“They’re all connected.”
I was feeding Noah when he added, “And they expected Vanessa to finish it yesterday.”
Noah grabbed my finger.
The thought made me sick.
Then a courier arrived with an envelope addressed to me.
No return name.
Inside was a photograph of Ethan, my younger brother, leaving his middle school.
My chest went cold.
On the back someone had written:
WALK AWAY FROM THE WHITMORES.
Alexander read it.
“I’ll put security on him.”
“No.”
He stared at me.
“If they see guards, they know I stayed.”
“They already know.”
He was right.
I called Ethan’s school and arranged for him to leave through the administration office.
Vincent sent two plainclothes men.
At 8:40, the judge froze the trust amendment.
At 8:47, Nolan Pierce entered the courthouse.
At 8:49, he requested a private meeting with Alexander.
Alexander almost refused.
Then Nolan sent one sentence through his attorney.
I CAN PROVE CLAIRE WAS ALIVE AFTER THE FALL.
May you like
Alexander stood.
“Set the meeting.”
