Daniel’s Version
Chapter 05 - Daniel’s Version
Daniel tried to turn betrayal into misunderstanding.
He said Claire had promised him the house during their separation. He said the deed was prepared by a document service. He said he believed Helen Carver’s commission remained valid through an associate.
“Who submitted the transfer?” Officer Santos asked.
Daniel looked at the tablet.
“Our financial advisor.”
“What is the advisor’s name?”
Silence.
Vanessa turned toward him.
“You told me your lawyer handled it.”
Daniel’s eyes warned her to stop.
Claire noticed.
“You moved her into my house before the transfer was recorded,” Claire said.
Daniel’s expression hardened.
“You were going to leave me.”
“I was going to confront you.”
“About what?”
Claire looked toward the living-room window.
A framed wedding photograph had been removed from the wall. In its place stood a vase of red roses.
“About the hotel charges. The missing trust statements. The second phone.”
Vanessa looked at him.
“What trust statements?”
Daniel ignored her.
Claire continued.
“You intercepted my mail for three months. You changed the smart-lock administrator. You told the neighbors I was receiving treatment out of state.”
Officer Kim wrote something down.
Daniel lowered his voice.
“You were unstable after your mother died.”
Claire felt the old shame rise.
Then she saw the wet quilt.
Grief had made her tired.
It had not made her wrong.
“You used my mother’s death to make everyone doubt me,” she said.
May you like
Daniel looked away.
That was answer enough.
