Chapter 4 - Ryan’s SuspicionRyan Cole had known Jack since college.
Unlike most people in Jack’s life, Ryan had no interest in the Mercer name. He had spent twelve years as a New York detective before leaving the department and opening a private investigation firm.
Jack hired him shortly after receiving the first threat.
But Daniel made certain Ryan never saw the complete picture.
Evidence disappeared before Ryan could examine it. Security footage was corrupted. Witnesses suddenly changed their stories.
After the divorce, Daniel convinced Jack that the danger had passed.
Jack ended the official investigation.
Ryan continued anyway.
Something about the threats bothered him.
They were too precise.
The sender knew Jack’s private schedule, Hannah’s home security system and details about the family trust that had never been released publicly.
Ryan believed the threat came from inside the Mercer organization.
He reviewed financial records connected to the security company watching Hannah.
The company had been created only eight weeks before Jack hired it.
Its registered office was an empty building in Delaware.
Its payments passed through three consulting firms before reaching an account connected to Daniel’s executive assistant.
Ryan did not immediately accuse Daniel.
He needed proof.
Then a former Mercer driver contacted him.
The driver, Luis Ortega, had been paid to photograph Hannah outside her office. Daniel told him the photographs were part of a security evaluation.
Luis became suspicious when he saw one of his photographs inside a threatening envelope reported by the media.
Before he could speak to the police, someone offered him fifty thousand dollars to leave New York.
He refused.
Two days later, his apartment was searched.
Ryan moved Luis and his family to a secure location.
He then called Jack.
“We need to meet,” Ryan said.
“Is Hannah in danger?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“That isn’t good enough.”
“Then stop trusting reports you haven’t verified.”
Jack became silent.
Ryan continued.
“The security company watching Hannah is connected to someone inside Mercer Biotech.”
“Who?”
“I need more evidence.”
Jack looked across his office at Daniel, who was reviewing documents near the window.
“Tell me what you have.”
Ryan explained the shell companies.
Jack listened without speaking.
When the call ended, Daniel glanced over.
“Problem?”
Jack studied his brother’s face.
For the first time, he noticed how often Daniel asked for details before Jack volunteered them.
“Ryan found irregularities in Hannah’s security team.”
Daniel did not appear surprised.
Instead, he looked concerned.
“That could explain how the threats continued.”
“I thought you said they stopped.”
“The reports said they decreased.”
Jack’s eyes narrowed.
Daniel placed the documents on the desk.
“You don’t suspect me, do you?”
The question came too quickly.
Jack leaned back.
“Should I?”
Daniel laughed, but the sound was strained.
“I helped you protect her.”
“You helped me leave her.”
“Because you asked for my advice.”
Jack looked away.
He was not ready to accuse his brother.
Daniel had stood beside him after their father died. They had grown up in the same house, survived the same expectations and built their careers together.
Suspicion felt like betrayal.
Daniel used that hesitation.
He approached Jack’s desk.
“Ryan is a former police officer trying to justify months of expensive work,” Daniel said. “Do not let him reopen wounds that are finally beginning to heal.”
Jack’s jaw tightened.
“Nothing has healed.”
Daniel paused.
For the first time, he realized Jack might eventually return to Hannah even without knowing about the pregnancy.
That night, Daniel made a decision.
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Waiting was no longer safe.
Hannah and her child had to disappear before Ryan uncovered the truth.
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