Chapter 4 - Chloe Came Home Early
At 12:05, a water pipe broke near Chloe’s elementary school cafeteria.
Parents received an emergency message saying students would be dismissed early.
Rachel was busy speaking with a caterer and did not see the notification.
Daniel’s phone was upstairs charging.
Chloe’s best friend’s mother, Mrs. Evans, offered to drive her home.
“You’re sure someone is there?” Mrs. Evans asked.
“My dad works from home on Fridays.”
Chloe waved goodbye and walked toward the front door.
She noticed a black car parked two houses away but did not recognize it.
The front door was unlocked.
“Dad?”
No one answered.
Chloe entered the hallway and heard voices coming from the kitchen.
Daniel stood beside the table. Owen was across from him.
The two coffee cups Owen had brought sat near the papers.
“You forged my signature,” Daniel said.
“I protected the company.”
“You stole from our clients.”
“I borrowed money to cover investments.”
“You bought yourself a second house.”
Owen’s face hardened.
“You have no idea how much pressure I’ve been under.”
Daniel lifted the cream envelope.
“The authorities can decide whether that excuses you.”
Owen stepped forward.
“Give me the drive.”
“No.”
“Daniel, I am warning you.”
Chloe remained in the hallway. She had never heard her uncle speak that way.
She quietly removed her phone from her backpack.
Her mother had taught her that if she ever felt unsafe, she should call immediately.
Rachel answered on the third ring.
“Sweetheart, aren’t you at school?”
“Mom,” Chloe whispered. “Uncle Owen is here.”
In the kitchen, a chair scraped across the floor.
Daniel raised his voice.
“Get out of my house.”
Chloe heard hurried movement.
Then came a crash.
She looked around the corner just as Owen shoved Daniel away from the envelope. Daniel lost his balance and fell against the wooden chair. The chair broke beneath him, and his coffee hit the floor.
“Dad!”
Owen turned.
His face changed when he saw Chloe.
“What are you doing home?”
Chloe struggled to breathe.
Rachel’s voice came through the phone.
“Chloe? What happened?”
Chloe pressed the phone against her ear.
“Mom, I tried to call you.”
Her breathing became faster as panic tightened her chest.
Daniel tried to push himself up.
“Leave her alone.”
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Owen stared from Daniel to Chloe, realizing his plan had collapsed.
Then he grabbed the envelope and ran toward the garage.
