Daniel Played the Recorder Sophie Found — Then Vanessa Mentioned a Suitcase Hidden Upstairs
Chapter 4 — “Make Sure He Takes Her Tablet”
Daniel pressed play again.
This time, he started at the beginning.
The recording appeared to have been made accidentally.
Vanessa had probably turned the device on without realizing it.
The first few minutes contained footsteps.
Drawers opening.
Then a man’s voice.
“You’re sure he’ll believe she took it?”
Vanessa answered:
“I’ll put the money there. Sophie won’t know anything about it.”
The man laughed.
“What if she calls him?”
“I’ll make sure he takes her tablet when he punishes her.”
Daniel stopped breathing for a moment.
Vanessa had expected him to punish his daughter.
She had been counting on it.
Counting on Daniel taking away Sophie’s tablet.
Then the man asked:
“And the suitcase upstairs?”
“Already packed.”
“Passport?”
“Both.”
“Then tomorrow night is the last problem.”
The recording became unclear.
Daniel replayed the phrase.
“Tomorrow night is the last problem.”
He looked at Vanessa.
“Who’s the man?”
“Nobody.”
Daniel almost laughed.
“We’re past that.”
“His name is Eric.”
Daniel frowned.
“Eric who?”
Vanessa swallowed.
“Eric Wells.”
Daniel looked toward the second passport.
Wells.
“Related to you?”
Vanessa said nothing.
Then Daniel understood.
“Is he your husband?”
Her silence answered before her words did.
“Not anymore,” she whispered.
