Chapter 6 - The Voice on the Tape
The handwriting sent Claire into a panic.
Detective Reed had the note tested.
The paper was new.
The ink was new.
But the handwriting matched Claire's mother's old letters with extraordinary precision.
Someone had practiced it.
Someone wanted Claire to believe her mother was speaking from beyond the grave.
Then Reed found the audio file.
It had been hidden on the memory card inside Lily's rabbit.
Claire pressed play.
Her mother's voice filled the room.
“If you're hearing this, I'm already gone.”
Claire covered her mouth.
The recording continued.
“Claire, there are things I couldn't tell you when you were young. Your father didn't die because of an accident. He died because he trusted the wrong person.”
A pause.
Then her mother said a name.
Ethan's father.
Claire turned toward her husband.
Ethan looked stunned.
“My father?”
The recording continued.
“He wasn't the killer. He was a witness.”
Claire's eyes filled with tears.
Her mother explained that two men had been involved in the cover-up.
One was a powerful businessman.
The other was a police officer.
But before she could name them, the recording stopped.
Reed checked the file.
It had been deliberately cut.
Someone had removed the final thirty seconds.
Claire stared at Ethan.
“Did you know this recording existed?”
“No.”
“Then why were you looking for the red box?”
“Because I knew your mother left evidence.”
“You knew enough to be afraid.”
Ethan didn't answer.
Then Lily spoke.
“Mommy?”
Claire turned.
“Daddy has another phone.”
Ethan went pale.
“Lily—”
Claire held out her hand.
“Give it to me.”
“No.”
“Give it to me.”
He slowly reached into his jacket.
The phone was black.
No lock screen.
Claire opened it.
There was one message.
FROM VANESSA.
I FOUND HIM.
Claire looked at Ethan.
“Found who?”
May you like
Before he could answer, another message arrived.
HE'S INSIDE YOUR HOUSE.
