Chapter 5 - A Phone Left Faceup
On Monday afternoon, Jessica arrived unannounced.
She said Brandon was under pressure. She said investors were becoming nervous. She said Linda’s delay was creating unnecessary danger.
Linda offered tea.
Jessica placed her phone faceup on the kitchen counter while she walked to the window. A message appeared across the screen.
Did she sign yet? Closing team needs confirmation.
Linda saw only the first line before the screen darkened.
“Who is the closing team?” she asked.
Jessica turned too quickly. “What?”
“The people waiting for my signature.”
Jessica smiled. “Just the lender.”
Linda poured the tea.
“Brandon told me the documents were still being reviewed.”
“They are. I only meant the lender’s legal department.”
The lie was small, but it was badly timed.
Linda asked, “What happens if I refuse?”
For the first time, Jessica’s polished expression cracked.
“Brandon could lose everything.”
“Everything he owns?”
Jessica did not answer.
Linda held her gaze. “Or everything I own?”
Jessica picked up her phone. “I think you’re letting fear cloud your judgment.”
“No,” Linda said. “I think fear has finally cleared it.”
Jessica left without drinking the tea.
That night, Linda checked the security camera near the front entry. As Jessica had walked toward her car, she had made a call.
The camera recorded no words clearly, but Linda could read the anger in her movements.
May you like
Jessica had expected an easy signature.
Now she knew Linda was becoming a problem.
