He was dressed differently from the man who had supposedly spent the evening at a business meeting.
In one hand was a flashlight.
In the other was a folded sheet of paper.
He walked directly toward our bed.
Then stopped when he realized it was empty.
“Clara?”
His voice was quiet.
Too quiet.
My phone vibrated.
A message from Caleb.
“Mom, I found documents in the family storage account. Don’t come out yet.”
Then he sent screenshots.
Three recently created insurance policies.
My name appeared on each one.
Julian’s appeared beneath mine.
Beneficiary.
I stared at the total.
$24 million.
My hands began to shake.
Outside the hidden room, Julian checked the bathroom and closet.
For several seconds, his flashlight rested on the cabinet concealing me.
I pressed a hand over my mouth.
Then the beam moved away.
Eventually, he left.
I remained hidden until the sun began rising.
