Chapter 5 - The Message from Sophie
As spring break approached, Jack’s schedule became increasingly chaotic.
He claimed several surgeons had resigned, leaving him responsible for additional emergency coverage. Some nights, he did not return home at all.
Megan knew many of those nights were spent at Olivia’s condominium.
She also knew Jack had purchased five airline tickets to Paris.
Gerald’s investigator had found the reservation. Jack, Olivia, Helen, Lauren and two children were listed under the same travel group.
There was no ticket for Megan.
“There are seven travelers,” Megan said. “You listed only five adults and children.”
“Jack and Olivia make two. Helen and Lauren make four. Ethan and Sophie make six.”
“Who is the seventh?”
Gerald hesitated.
“Olivia’s mother.”
Megan felt a strange calm settle over her.
It was not a secret romantic weekend. It was a public family vacation with everyone except Jack’s wife.
“Does Jack intend to return?”
“We don’t know. His return ticket is flexible. Olivia has no return flight booked.”
The condominium in Paris had recently been furnished. Jack had transferred additional funds to a French account. He had also asked a lawyer about international residency.
Megan’s greatest fear was no longer the marriage.
It was the children.
Gerald assured her that Jack could not legally relocate them without consent, but once they were overseas, bringing them home could become complicated.
“Do we stop them before the flight?” Gerald asked.
“Not yet.”
“Megan—”
“I need proof that he intends to take them without informing me.”
She hated saying the words. Waiting felt dangerous, but acting too early might allow Jack to claim the trip was an innocent family holiday approved by Megan.
Jack became unusually affectionate during the final week.
He cooked dinner, brought Megan coffee in bed and suggested she buy a new gown for the Carter-Hale Foundation’s annual gala.
“You’ve worked so hard,” he told her. “You deserve a beautiful evening.”
The gala was scheduled for the first Friday of spring break.
The Paris flight departed that same evening.
Jack assumed Megan would be trapped at the event, surrounded by donors, photographers and board members.
On Thursday night, Jack told her the hospital had placed him on emergency call.
“I may miss the gala.”
“That’s disappointing.”
“I’ll make it up to you.”
He kissed her with the same mouth that kissed Olivia.
On Friday afternoon, Helen picked up the children.
“Jack said they’re staying with you tonight,” Megan said.
Helen’s smile was too bright.
“We’re having a movie night.”
“Both children packed suitcases.”
“They like bringing half the house.”
Megan hugged Ethan and Sophie tightly.
Sophie whispered, “I wish you were coming.”
Helen immediately guided her toward the car.
At the gala, Megan stood beneath crystal lights in the blue embroidered gown Jack had encouraged her to buy. She greeted donors and delivered a speech about trust, accountability and the responsibility of caring for vulnerable families.
At 7:46 p.m., Sophie’s tablet sent a message to Megan’s phone.
Mom, Grandma says you said we can go to Paris without you. Is that true?
Megan left the stage area without explaining.
Gerald called as she hurried toward the exit.
“Our investigator confirmed they’re at DFW. Terminal C.”
“Has Jack given the final transfer instruction?”
“Not yet.”
“He will before boarding.”
Megan got into her car.
“Send security and notify the bank to stand by.”
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“Megan, where are you going?”
“To hear my husband lie to me one last time.”
