Chapter 5 - The Trap Inside the House
Margaret left the workshop through the rear window and drove directly to Aaron’s apartment building.
She called the number on his card from her car.
Aaron came downstairs and took the folder.
After reviewing the first pages, he contacted his supervisor and requested an emergency investigation.
But the documents had a weakness.
They proved that fraud had occurred, yet they did not prove Marissa had personally authorized it.
The transfer approvals came from Daniel’s account.
“She used his access,” Margaret said.
“We have to prove that,” Aaron replied.
The flash drive contained partial financial records and an audio file recorded by Margaret’s husband. In it, he confronted Elliot about the false consulting companies.
Elliot denied everything.
Marissa’s name was never spoken.
Aaron advised Margaret to stay somewhere safe while police prepared warrants.
She refused.
“My son is still inside that house.”
By morning, Daniel finally called.
His voice was quiet.
“Mom, don’t say anything. Marissa is downstairs.”
“Leave the house.”
“I can’t. She changed the security codes and took my car keys.”
“Call the police.”
“She monitors the home network. I need to reach the treatment center this afternoon. Aaron told me an officer could meet me there.”
Margaret looked at Aaron, who was listening beside her.
“Why the hospital?”
“Because Marissa booked me an emergency medical appointment. She says I’m unstable and need observation.”
Margaret understood.
If Marissa convinced doctors that Daniel was mentally unwell, every accusation he made could be dismissed as confusion.
Aaron wrote something on a piece of paper and held it up.
Tell him to record everything.
Margaret repeated the message.
Daniel became silent.
Then he said, “I know where Dad hid an old phone. It isn’t connected to the house system.”
“Take it.”
“Mom, I’m sorry I didn’t believe you about her.”
“You can apologize after you walk out safely.”
A floorboard creaked through the phone.
May you like
Daniel whispered, “She’s coming.”
The call ended.
