Chapter 9 - Teresa’s Bargain
Teresa did not return to her apartment after leaving Connor’s house.
She went directly to Dylan’s condominium.
Dylan paced beside the windows while she called Nathan repeatedly.
No answer.
“He took the flash drive,” Dylan said.
“You don’t know that.”
“The motel was empty.”
Teresa poured herself a drink.
Her hand trembled.
“You said the men would frighten him.”
“They were supposed to recover the drive.”
“Did they kill him?”
Dylan looked away.
Teresa set the glass down.
“You promised me no one would die.”
“I promised you Connor would not be harmed if he cooperated.”
“He is my son.”
“He is the reason the property hasn’t been sold.”
Teresa stared at him.
For years, she had told herself Connor was selfish.
After his father’s death, he had inherited the house and the controlling interest in Hale Construction. Teresa received investments, a generous allowance, and two properties.
But she did not receive authority.
Connor had authority.
He decided whether land was sold.
He rejected Teresa’s ideas.
He limited Nathan’s access to company funds.
He married Amy despite Teresa’s objections.
Every year, Connor’s life moved further beyond her control.
Dylan had approached her with an answer.
Transfer the house temporarily.
Sign a few papers.
Allow a medical declaration to create leverage.
The developer would pay Teresa enough to secure Nathan’s future and restore what she believed her husband should have left her.
She had agreed.
Then the demands changed.
Dylan asked for security access.
Dr. Voss began prescribing supplements for Connor.
A life insurance policy appeared.
Frederick’s illness became part of the plan.
Teresa had diluted the medicine, but she had convinced herself it was harmless. A lingering fever would keep Amy occupied and make Connor distracted.
No one was supposed to suffer.
That was the lie Teresa repeated whenever guilt appeared.
Her phone rang.
The number was hidden.
She answered immediately.
“Where is Nathan?”
The unfamiliar man did not respond to the question.
“You failed to obtain the deed.”
“Connor has the copies.”
“The original is missing.”
“Nathan has it.”
“Then retrieve it.”
Teresa closed her eyes.
“I want out.”
Dylan stopped pacing.
The man on the phone remained silent for several seconds.
“You accepted $900,000.”
“I will return it.”
“You spent most of it covering Nathan’s debts.”
Teresa looked at Dylan.
He knew.
Of course he knew.
The voice continued.
“Tomorrow morning, you will go to Connor’s house. You will tell him you acted alone. You will persuade him not to involve the police.”
“He will never believe me.”
“Then give him a reason.”
“What reason?”
“You still have access to Amy’s medical records.”
Teresa’s throat tightened.
“No.”
“Convince Connor that his wife created the documents during a psychological episode.”
“She did not.”
“Truth is irrelevant.”
Teresa realized the man had never expected her to succeed.
She and Nathan were disposable.
Dylan might be disposable too.
“Who are you?” she demanded.
The call ended.
Dylan approached her.
“What did he say?”
Teresa looked at him differently now.
“How did he know about Amy’s records?”
Dylan’s expression revealed too much.
Amy had struggled with anxiety after Frederick’s premature birth. She had attended counseling for several months.
Only family knew.
And the clinic.
Teresa reached for Dylan’s phone.
He pulled it away.
“Who gave you her records?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to me.”
“You are too involved emotionally.”
“He threatened my family.”
Dylan laughed. “You helped him threaten your family.”
The truth struck harder because it came from him.
Teresa stepped back.
Dylan slipped his phone into his pocket.
“You will go to Connor tomorrow.”
“And if I refuse?”
May you like
Dylan’s smile vanished.
“Then Northstar collects something more valuable than the house.”
