Chapter 9 - THE MOTHER BEHIND THE CURTAIN
I had always believed Jason was the most dangerous member of the Bennett family.
He was volatile.
Entitled.
Cruel.
But I was beginning to understand that Jason's violence had been encouraged by something older and more calculated.
His mother's certainty that consequences were for other people.
Evelyn Bennett did not need to raise her voice to frighten someone.
She used lawyers.
Money.
Threats.
And the quiet confidence of a woman who had spent decades arranging the world to suit herself.
Detective Mercer called me late that afternoon.
“Colonel, we have a development.”
I stepped into the hallway outside Emily's room.
“What happened?”
“We located Richard Vale.”
“Where?”
“At a private airfield outside Charlotte.”
My pulse quickened.
“Was he trying to leave?”
“He was preparing to board a charter aircraft.”
“Did you arrest him?”
“He was detained in connection with an outstanding warrant arising from a separate investigation. Our team is coordinating with the relevant agencies.”
I leaned against the wall.
“Has he said anything?”
“Not yet.”
I thought of Claire.
Of Rebecca.
Of Emily.
And of the man who had threatened me using a number once associated with a missing woman.
“Does he know you're investigating the Bennetts?”
“I expect he does.”
Mercer hesitated.
“There's something else.”
“What?”
“His luggage contained a photograph.”
“Of whom?”
“Your daughter.”
I closed my eyes.
The detective continued.
“It appears to have been taken outside the hospital yesterday.”
For a moment, I could hear nothing except my own breathing.
Someone had been following Emily.
Someone had been watching the hospital.
And Richard Vale had her photograph.
“Is she safe?” I asked.
“We're coordinating with hospital security and her advocate. We'll also discuss additional protective measures.”
I looked through the glass window into Emily's room.
She was sitting upright, speaking quietly with Natalie.
My daughter looked exhausted.
But she was alive.
And she was finally being heard.
“Detective.”
“Yes?”
“Find out who took that photograph.”
“We intend to.”
He paused.
“And Colonel?”
“Yes?”
“Don't confront Evelyn Bennett.”
I almost smiled.
“Wasn't planning to.”
“Good.”
Then his voice grew serious.
“Because I think she's becoming desperate.”
I looked down the corridor.
“Why?”
Mercer took a breath.
“Richard Vale has requested to speak with a prosecutor.”
The significance was immediate.
Men like Richard Vale didn't cooperate because they suddenly discovered a conscience.
They cooperated because they feared what was coming.
“What does he want?” I asked.
“Protection. And consideration for whatever information he provides.”
“About Claire?”
“Among other things.”
I closed my eyes.
“Can he tell you where she is?”
Mercer was silent.
May you like
Then he answered:
“We're hoping he can.”
