Chapter 4 - Behind the Locked DoorDavid left for work at seven the next morning.
Emma waited until his car disappeared before approaching the home office.
The lock required a six-digit code.
She tried his birthday.
Nothing.
Their wedding date.
Nothing.
Then she remembered the number David used for nearly everything: the date he joined Emma’s father’s company.
The lock clicked.
Inside, the office smelled of leather and expensive cologne. A large desk faced the windows. Two filing cabinets stood beside a wall covered with framed photographs of David receiving business awards.
Emma opened the desk drawers.
Receipts. Contracts. Business cards.
The bottom drawer was locked.
She found the key taped beneath the desk.
Inside were two phones, a stack of passports, and a file labeled E.M.
Emma opened it.
The first page was a copy of her life-insurance policy.
The next pages contained reports from Carl Voss, the private investigator. They listed Emma’s appointments, phone calls, and every place she visited.
The most recent report included photographs of her entering the bank.
David knew.
Emma’s hands began to shake.
She photographed each page with the emergency phone.
Then she found an email exchange printed and clipped together.
The first message was from David to Carl.
She is asking questions. Move the timeline forward.
Carl replied:
The vehicle issue is prepared. After the hospital visit would attract less attention.
David’s response appeared beneath it.
No. Before the child is born. The policy changes after delivery.
Emma pressed a hand to her mouth.
The words did not state exactly what they intended to do, but their meaning was unmistakable.
Her daughter kicked hard.
Emma continued photographing.
A floorboard creaked behind her.
She spun around.
David stood in the doorway.
He had removed his jacket. His tie hung loose around his neck.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
Emma placed the papers back on the desk.
“I was looking for a document.”
“You were at the bank yesterday.”
It was not a question.
David entered and locked the door behind him.
“The doctor’s office called,” he said. “You never had an appointment.”
Emma’s heart pounded.
“I wanted to understand our finances.”
“Our finances?”
“My inheritance.”
David laughed softly.
“Your inheritance became our money when you married me.”
“You forged my signature.”
His expression changed.
“Who have you spoken to?”
“No one.”
He walked closer.
“Do not lie to me.”
Emma backed toward the desk.
David took her bag and emptied it onto the floor. Her wallet, keys, and tissues scattered across the carpet.
The emergency phone was in her coat pocket.
He did not find it.
David grabbed her chin.
“You have no idea how much trouble you’ve caused.”
“You stole from me.”
“I built everything we have.”
“With my father’s money.”
For one dangerous second, fury flashed across his face.
Then he released her.
“You’re confused,” he said. “Pregnancy does that to women.”
Emma said nothing.
David gathered the documents and placed them into a briefcase.
“You will stay home today.”
“I need groceries.”
“I’ll order them.”
“We have nothing for the baby.”
“She isn’t here yet.”
Emma looked at him.
His words from the email returned to her.
Before the child is born.
May you like
She understood then that waiting was no longer possible.
She had to leave that day.
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