Chapter 7 - The Evidence
Emily appeared behind Rachel, wrapped in the blanket.
Michael’s face changed when he saw her.
“I told you to stay downstairs.”
Emily took one step backward but did not leave.
Rachel moved closer to her daughter.
“You don’t give her orders anymore.”
Michael laughed bitterly.
“So that’s it? You walk in, misunderstand everything, and suddenly I’m the enemy?”
“You locked a child out of her room.”
“She was being difficult.”
“You took her phone.”
“She disobeyed me.”
“You forged my signature.”
Michael glanced toward Colin.
Colin looked away.
Rachel understood immediately.
Michael had not acted alone, but Colin was not loyal enough to protect him.
She addressed Colin.
“Did Michael tell you I approved this?”
Colin hesitated.
Michael’s voice sharpened.
“Don’t answer her.”
Rachel continued.
“He told you the documents were legal, didn’t he?”
Colin’s silence was an answer.
Michael grabbed the forged deed from the table.
Rachel raised her voice.
“Emily, tell him where you put the originals.”
Emily looked at her father.
“In the safest place in the house.”
Michael’s face drained of color.
He moved toward the door, but Rachel blocked him.
“Where?” he demanded.
Emily did not answer.
Michael reached for Rachel’s arm.
She stepped back before he could touch her.
From outside came the sound of tires on the driveway.
Red and blue light swept across the walls.
Colin dropped the briefcase.
Michael stared toward the window.
“What did you do?”
Rachel removed the phone from her pocket.
“I came home.”
The doorbell rang, followed by a firm voice announcing the police.
May you like
Michael looked around the room as though searching for another exit.
There was none.
