Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN IN THE RECORDING
The flash drive contained dozens of files.
Detective Harris arranged for a digital forensics team to examine them. Most were business records, but one folder contained audio recordings from the weeks before the accident.
The first recording was a conversation between Ethan and Dr. Vale.
Ethan's voice was unmistakable.
“The car has to be unusable. He cannot be allowed to recover before the board meeting.”
Vale replied, “I can control the medical narrative. I cannot guarantee the outcome.”
“I don't need a guarantee. I need him out of the company.”
A second recording featured Vanessa.
Her voice was quieter.
“You said he would survive.”
Ethan answered, “He did.”
“You said he would never walk again.”
“That's what the doctors believe.”
“What if he gets better?”
“Then we make sure he doesn't.”
Adrian stopped the recording.
Emma sat beside him.
Vanessa had been part of it from the beginning.
The next file was a video recorded in the underground parking garage. It showed Vanessa entering the maintenance area the night before the crash. She handed a small envelope to a mechanic and pointed toward Adrian's car.
The mechanic took the envelope.
Then the video ended.
Detective Harris identified the man as Paul Mercer, a contractor who had disappeared two days after the accident.
A warrant was issued.
That evening, Emma found another file hidden in the folder.
It was a video of Adrian's father speaking directly to the camera.
“If you're watching this, something has happened to my son. I have reason to believe Ethan has been approached by people who want control of Blackwood Industries. I have also discovered that Vanessa Cross has been passing information outside the family.”
Adrian stared at the screen.
His father continued.
“Adrian, if you are alive, do not trust anyone who tells you that your future is already decided. You are not a company asset. You are my son.”
The recording ended.
Adrian sat motionless.
He had spent years believing his father had known about Ethan's resentment and done nothing. Now he understood that his father had been trying to protect him, but had not acted quickly enough.
Emma placed a hand on his shoulder.
“You don't have to watch it again.”
“I thought I had lost everything that night.”
“You didn't.”
“I lost years.”
“Yes.”
He looked at her.
“Are you still angry with me?”
“Yes.”
He nodded.
“But I'm here,” she continued. “That doesn't mean you get to lie again.”
“I understand.”
Detective Harris called.
Paul Mercer had been found at a motel outside the city. He had agreed to talk, but only if he received protection.
May you like
Adrian stood.
“Then let's hear what he has to say.”
